Brussels:Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has called on the European Union to impose a levy on US and Chinese airlines operating within Europe. O'Leary argues that European carriers are burdened with uneven regulatory pressures compared to their international counterparts.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, O'Leary criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as ineffective, citing the EU's failure to enhance the competitiveness of European airlines. He highlighted that European airlines are subject to environmental charges that do not apply equally to long-haul flights operated by non-European carriers.

O'Leary emphasized the need for competitive fairness, stating, "If you're serious about competitiveness, tax the Americans when they land here in Europe," during an interview with Euronews.