Meeting of the Michaels as Commissioner Michael McGrath and Michael O’Leary discuss consumer rights and aviation

Commissioner McGrath met Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary at the airline’s Dublin headquarters
Discussions covered passenger rights, EU consumer law enforcement, and business clarity
The Digital Fairness Act and Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation feature as key reforms
Clear consumer rules remain compatible with a competitive, innovative European economy
Open dialogue with businesses and stakeholders underpins the EU’s Single Market approach

Commissioner Michael McGrath has held discussions with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary at the airline’s Dublin headquarters this week, focusing on consumer protection and the future of the aviation sector in the European Union. The meeting addressed passenger and consumer rights, the enforcement of EU consumer law, and the need to ensure rules deliver for consumers while providing businesses with operational clarity and predictability.

McGrath expressed the view that clear consumer protection rules, consistently applied, remain compatible with efforts to make Europe a more competitive economy that fosters innovation. The upcoming Digital Fairness Act and the revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation represent vital reforms that can benefit both consumers and businesses according to the Commissioner.

The Commissioner emphasised that open dialogue with businesses, consumer organisations, and other stakeholders remains essential for ensuring strong consumer protection and a competitive, well-functioning Single Market.

Commissioner Michael McGrath shared “I was pleased to have an opportunity to visit Ryanair HQ in Dublin this week to meet with the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary to discuss consumer protection and the future of the vital aviation sector in the European Union. I believe that clear consumer protection rules – consistently applied – are fully compatible with our drive to make Europe a more competitive economy that fosters and supports innovation”