In interviews with Euronews and other bodies in late October 2026, O'Leary accused von der Leyen of "talking but doing nothing" to make Europe more competitive, and cited the 2024 Dragons report - which warned of "slow agony" without major reforms - as evidence that recommendations two years later had not been implemented. He said she was "hiding out in Barrymont doing nothing but giving speeches."

In interviews with Euronews and other bodies in late October 2026, O'Leary accused von der Leyen of "talking but doing nothing" to make Europe more competitive, and cited the 2024 Dragons report - which warned of "slow agony" without major reforms - as evidence that recommendations two years later had not been implemented. He said she was "hiding out in Barrymont doing nothing but giving speeches."