AssetID: 56095630
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Ryanair Boss Calls EU Chief 'Useless' And Demands Tax On Foreign Airlines
Caption: Ryanair Boss Calls EU Chief 'Useless' And Demands Tax On Foreign Airlines. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "useless" and accused the EU of failing to improve competitiveness. O’Leary criticised EU environmental taxes that apply to flights within the bloc while many American, Asian and Chinese carriers are exempt. He called for a "fair and reasonable" levy on every flight arriving in or departing Europe, arguing foreign airlines should contribute towards environmental costs. O'Leary also criticised the EU's progress on former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi's competitiveness report, which called for major economic reforms and investment. Ryanair is cutting one million seats and 20 routes from Belgium this winter after the country's air travel tax was increased from €2 to €7 per ticket. O’Leary said Ryanair was moving aircraft to more competitive markets, describing Belgium, France and Germany as increasingly expensive places to operate. The airline has protected itself against current fuel increases by locking in prices at around $67 a barrel, but O'Leary expects its fuel costs to rise sharply next year. He warned airfares could rise significantly in 2027 as higher oil prices increase costs, with Brent crude recently climbing above $110 a barrel. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Ryanair,Michael O'Leary,Ursula von der Leyen,European Union,airlines,aviation tax,Belgium,airfares,European Commission,aviation,flights,fuel prices,oil prices,Brent crude,airline industry,Mario Draghi
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