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Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.

DLR

DLR is Germany's national research center for aeronautics, space, energy, and transport.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and OHB

20 Nov 2025 · Politique spatiale européenne

Meeting with Joanna Drake (Deputy Director-General Research and Innovation) and EUREC - The association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres

12 Nov 2025 · Exchange of views on the Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, in particular the proposals for FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).

Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for competitiveness

30 Oct 2025

Positive aspects: DLR values the proposed budget increase for R&Iaround 175 billionand the integrated approach of Horizon Europe and the ECF to jointly cover the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) chain from basic research up to market deployment. DLR particularly welcomes the continued emphasis on collaborative research and publicprivate partnerships that foster cross-border, cross-sector, and interdisciplinary cooperation, all key to European technology sovereignty, resilience, and industrial competitiveness. It appreciates maintaining the principle of scientific excellence, familiar project types (RIA, IA, CSA), and the continuity of well-proven funding schemes. DLR supports the proposed moonshot initiatives, provided they combine partnership- and mission-driven approaches, bridging the valley of death between research and market. To be effective, they should draw on complementary EU funding instruments (e.g. Innovation Fund, CEF, IPCEI) and support all TRLs. Areas for improvement: DLR calls for clear definition of links between Horizon Europe and the ECF as well transparent co-creation of work programmes through existing technology platforms and alliances. It warns against reallocation of Horizon Europe funds to other purposes within the ECF. DLR advocates a stronger share for Pillar II to bridge the gap between frontier research (ERC) and market uptake in order to translate science into competitiveness (EIC). Simplification is welcome, but measures such as lump-sum funding must not shift administrative burden to proposal preparation or discourage international cooperation. DLR calls for a well-balanced approach between non-prescriptive calls and clear strategic guidance to avoid low success rates while increasing applicant frustration. Need for clarification: DLR calls for a consistent funding scheme supporting the full R&I chain with open, bottom-up research (led by RTOs/universities) for TRL1-4, mixed approach (industry + RTOs) for TRL4-6 and some top-down system demos and market deployment (industry-led) for TRL>6. The proposed regulation lacks such a systematic approach. Access for SMEs and smaller actors must be simplified. For moonshot projects, DLR stresses that they must not prioritise short-term implementation over strategic long-term R&D. DLR also opposes limiting stakeholder involvement through delegated acts. It urges maintaining comitology and structured input from industry, RTOs, and Member States through mechanisms such as European Technology Platforms and Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs). Positive Aspects Integration of ECF and Horizon Europe: The combination of research and innovation instruments strengthens Europes ability to move from low-TRL research activities to market ready innovations. Partnerships and collaborative research: Both of them remain vital for European industrial competitiveness Continuity and excellence: Maintaining RIA, IA, CSA schemes and the excellence principle ensures stability for all stakeholders. Moonshot initiatives: Supported if they combine mission- and partnership-driven approaches, address the full TRL range, and bridge the valley of death between R&I and market deployment. Concerns & Recommendations Clear governance: Horizon Europe should remain a standalone programme with transparent links to the ECF. Ring-fenced R&I budget: DLR warns against reallocating Horizon Europe funds to other ECF purposes. Balance across pillars: Strengthen Pillar II to connect frontier science (ERC) and innovation (EIC). Simplification vs. burden: Welcome simplification, but measures such as lump-sum funding must not increase administrative load for applicants. Strategic openness: Broad, non-prescriptive calls risk diluting quality; maintain clear focus and thematic guidance.
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Response to EU’s next long-term budget (MFF) – EU funding for competitiveness

30 Oct 2025

Positive aspects: DLR values the proposed budget increase for R&Iaround 175 billionand the integrated approach of Horizon Europe and the ECF to jointly cover the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) chain from basic research up to market deployment. DLR particularly welcomes the continued emphasis on collaborative research and publicprivate partnerships that foster cross-border, cross-sector, and interdisciplinary cooperation, all key to European technology sovereignty, resilience, and industrial competitiveness. It appreciates maintaining the principle of scientific excellence, familiar project types (RIA, IA, CSA), and the continuity of well-proven funding schemes. DLR supports the proposed moonshot initiatives, provided they combine partnership- and mission-driven approaches, bridging the valley of death between research and market. To be effective, they should draw on complementary EU funding instruments (e.g. Innovation Fund, CEF, IPCEI) and support all TRLs. Areas for improvement: DLR calls for clear definition of links between Horizon Europe and the ECF as well transparent co-creation of work programmes through existing technology platforms and alliances. It warns against reallocation of Horizon Europe funds to other purposes within the ECF. DLR advocates a stronger share for Pillar II to bridge the gap between frontier research (ERC) and market uptake in order to translate science into competitiveness (EIC). Simplification is welcome, but measures such as lump-sum funding must not shift administrative burden to proposal preparation or discourage international cooperation. DLR calls for a well-balanced approach between non-prescriptive calls and clear strategic guidance to avoid low success rates while increasing applicant frustration. Need for clarification: DLR calls for a consistent funding scheme supporting the full R&I chain with open, bottom-up research (led by RTOs/universities) for TRL1-4, mixed approach (industry + RTOs) for TRL4-6 and some top-down system demos and market deployment (industry-led) for TRL>6. The proposed regulation lacks such a systematic approach. Access for SMEs and smaller actors must be simplified. For moonshot projects, DLR stresses that they must not prioritise short-term implementation over strategic long-term R&D. DLR also opposes limiting stakeholder involvement through delegated acts. It urges maintaining comitology and structured input from industry, RTOs, and Member States through mechanisms such as European Technology Platforms and Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs). Positive Aspects Integration of ECF and Horizon Europe: The combination of research and innovation instruments strengthens Europes ability to move from low-TRL research activities to market ready innovations. Partnerships and collaborative research: Both of them remain vital for European industrial competitiveness Continuity and excellence: Maintaining RIA, IA, CSA schemes and the excellence principle ensures stability for all stakeholders. Moonshot initiatives: Supported if they combine mission- and partnership-driven approaches, address the full TRL range, and bridge the valley of death between R&I and market deployment. Concerns & Recommendations Clear governance: Horizon Europe should remain a standalone programme with transparent links to the ECF. Ring-fenced R&I budget: DLR warns against reallocating Horizon Europe funds to other ECF purposes. Balance across pillars: Strengthen Pillar II to connect frontier science (ERC) and innovation (EIC). Simplification vs. burden: Welcome simplification, but measures such as lump-sum funding must not increase administrative load for applicants. Strategic openness: Broad, non-prescriptive calls risk diluting quality; maintain clear focus and thematic guidance.
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DLR urges ring-fencing R&I budget to protect European competitiveness

30 Oct 2025
Topic — The consultation seeks views on the post-2027 EU long-term budget for competitiveness.
Message — DLR advocates for a ring-fenced research budget and a stronger Pillar II to bridge the gap between science and market application. They call for a systematic funding approach covering all technology levels while maintaining structured stakeholder involvement.123
Why — This approach secures stable funding for large-scale research partnerships where DLR plays a central role.4
Impact — Smaller entities and universities could lose out if administrative burdens shift to the application phase.5
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Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2025 · EU Space Act

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Sept 2025 · EU Space Act

Meeting with Tobias Cremer (Member of the European Parliament) and MBDA

3 Dec 2024 · European Defence

DLR urges more technical detail for EU digital identity

5 Sept 2024
Topic — This consultation defines the notification system for the European digital identity wallet framework.
Message — The DLR requests more detailed technical standards to ensure harmonized implementation across Europe. They suggest clarifying roles for security enforcement and including use cases for Self-Sovereign Identity.123
Why — Standardization would support DLR’s research in fields like autonomous driving and maritime security.4
Impact — Member States could lose flexibility if more rigid technical standards are mandated early on.5
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Response to Options for support for R&D of dual-use technologies

30 Apr 2024

Please find the position of the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) in the attached document.
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Response to Interim Evaluation of the European Defence Fund

21 Feb 2024

German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.): Please find our feedback on EDF in the document attached.
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Response to Creation of the Common European Mobility Data Space

7 Dec 2022

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) appreciates the initiative of the European Commission to work on a European Mobility Data Space (EMDS). The recognition that mobility should be a pioneering sector in terms of data science can only be underlined. As one of Europe`s leading research institutions in mobility science, DLR is looking at the EMDS from different angles, not only by engaging in the topic for different modes of transport (automotive, rail, maritime, active modes and aviation), but also combining our expertise in mobility with our expertise in data science. Hereby we seek an active exchange on the topic with our European partners e.g. in Europes Rail or through our leading role in bringing the Gaia-X initiative on a European scale. With this broad view, we see not only the challenge for an EMDS in aligning the different transport sectors, but especially in their common challenges. Even though the technical aspect of creating a data space might be handleable in a timely manner, we see that there are unsolved questions within the mobility community, which likely would prevent stakeholders from using the EMDS, even though the necessity of sharing mobility data in the future is widely agreed upon. Most of these open questions are about data ownership. Not only economical unclarities, such as possible business models for providing data, but especially questions that are related to the lack of trust in shared data is challenging the establishment of an EMDS. On the one hand data providers are uncertain about how much control they will have over their data, opening questions about liability and security, on the other hand for data users it is not clear yet, how quality of data will be ensured. On top, questions regarding the adaption of anti-trust laws need to be clarified on a higher level. Research can play an important role in clarifying uncertainties in sharing data. Examples from other fields e.g. socio-economic analysis or work force science, show that the neutral role of research institutions such as DLR can be key to keep the conversation among industry partners and towards politics open. So, DLR has shown its trustworthiness before e.g. during the handling of confidential data at the KPI assessment for Shift2Rail. Further, DLR is in a leading role in national activities (inter alia in Gaia-X) working close with industry on trustworthy data architectures and concepts. These widely accepted neutrality of the research sector will allow to test options for data spaces, before setting up a final structure and thus navigating through the lack of trust. Additionally, data scientists are working on the topic of FAIR data (findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability) and their research should be adapted in the EMDS, using synergies for Data Spaces of different sectors. Also, there are a number of research institutes in Europe not only focussing on one transport mode, but having expertise in different areas of the mobility sector. Especially in terms of data science, the researchers are working on different transport modes or are in close contact with the experts from other modes. Thus, bringing research institutes in an almost unique position of being constantly aware of parallels and individual requirements of the different fields in the transport sector. In addition, as they are in steady contact with national authorities allowing to support synchronisation of national and European data spaces. Finally, DLR is supporting the Commissions effort to set up a European Mobility Data Space and fully agrees with the identification of its necessity. Still, we truly believe that currently the EMDS is lacking trust from the sector, hindering a timely uptake. We highly recommend to invest in further research in the topics of data provenance, data trust, data ownership and data security and use the academic sector not only because of their expertise, but also as an adviser because of their trusted neutrality.
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Meeting with Niklas Nienass (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

19 Sept 2022 · Space traffic management, secure connectivity, space legislation

Meeting with Ismail Ertug (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Jun 2022 · Innovation und Technologietransfer

Meeting with Niklas Nienass (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Jun 2022 · Space and energy research and new perspectives

Meeting with Roberto Viola (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

1 Jun 2022 · EuroQCI, Eagle-1

Meeting with Niklas Nienass (Member of the European Parliament)

27 May 2022 · Space sustainability, international cooperation, space policy

Meeting with Niklas Nienass (Member of the European Parliament)

16 May 2022 · Camera for methane observations

Meeting with Sandra Bartelt (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen)

4 May 2022 · Global Gateway

Meeting with Niklas Nienass (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Mar 2022 · Introductory meeting, presentation of the site

Meeting with Roberto Viola (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

11 Dec 2020 · Videoconference to discuss secure connectivity.

Response to European Partnership for Integrated Air Traffic Management

27 Aug 2019

In order to meet the flightpath 2050 goals and the goals as formulated in the ATM Master Plan and the Single European Sky framework, Europe needs an ATM Partnership to step up research and innovation. The SESAR programmes have proven to be an excellent platform for R&I, but more needs to be done. DLR advocates a continuation of the SESAR programme and strengthening the exploratory research pillar to make European aviation safer, greener and more efficient. To do so, DLR recommends the following: A better transition through the research and innovation (R&I) pipeline must be ensured - Research Establishments are needed to establish a better balance between technology push and market pull To establish a smooth transfer of the results of TRL level 2 of the Exploratory Research into the Industrial Research up to TRL level 6 in SESAR 3, the independent Research Establishments (REs) are essential. In addition, REs are well equipped to feed new technologies into the research pipeline. Good examples from the past are Remote Tower and Flight Centered ATC. Including REs contributes to a healthy balance between technology push and market pull, contributing to a smoother transition through the R&I pipeline. When the R&I pipeline is dominated by the service providers, ground industry and airborne industry the technology push will be minimized and limited to the portfolio of the industry. - Research establishments are well equipped for Validations and Very Large Scale Demonstrations Research establishments should also play an important role in the innovation pipeline from Industrial Research to the Very Large Scale Demonstrations. The REs, like DLR and NLR, have flexible (rapid prototyping) tools and facilities to tailor the new technologies from Industrial Research for local implementation (ANSPs, Airports) as well as Very Large Scale Demonstrations (tailoring for the locale situations) without very costly modifications of the operational systems. The SESAR Exploratory Research is essential to feed the innovation pipeline and must be reinforced. Therefore an appropriate and increased amount of budget should be reserved for Exploratory Research (ER) activities. In the current SESAR 2020 programme ER4 call the maximum funding is increased up to 2 Mio. € with a duration of 30 months. Both the funding and the project duration should be at least kept and used in a more flexible way, in order to reflect the purpose and goals of the respective topics. The successor of SESAR 2020 should continue to develop new technologies and procedures to help airports; air traffic controllers and airlines to deliver more safe and efficient operations in combination with minimizing the environmental impact. In doing so, new technologies and developments, such as digitalisation (incl. augmented and virtual reality), automation, artificial intelligence, big data, block chain, unmanned airtraffic management and cyber security, must be addressed. DLR calls on the Commission to continue its support to SESAR and to support the strengthening of the R&I component.
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Response to European Partnership for Clean Aviation

27 Aug 2019

DLR, the German Aerospace Center, favours an approach where in addition to cross-cutting issues and projects for intermodality each transport mode has its own programme. This will facilitate on European level the implementation of mode specific R&I strategies, like the ACARE SRIA.. Having a dedicated programme for clean aviation research will better guarantee the flow of technology from low to high TRLs than generic programmes. Aeronautics and ATM research should keep a high visibility in Horizon Europe. DLR favours an approach which ensures the integration of future clean aviation collaborative research (low-medium TRLs) and demonstrator programme into the future Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the same organisational umbrella using an open neutral process guided by the EC with adequate rules, governance and budgets for upstream and demonstration approaches. Within the Work Programme of the European Partnership for Clean Aviation there should be room for (i) large demonstrators; (ii) applied research projects (integrated projects not limited to demonstrators but including validation up to TRL 5 and (iii) upstream research. Such an organisational system (similar to the former FPs with L1/L2/L3-type projects) would enable integration of both upstream and top down research under the same organisational umbrella with demonstrations, medium sized projects, small projects, and would have similarities with the current way of functioning of SESAR except that EREA claims for a reinforcement of the low-TRL research part, as well as the bottom-up research part for the future aviation PPP. Besides reinforcing the early phases, the successor programme must also strengthen the role of Research Establishments. REs are well positioned to work with both universities and industry to bridge the valley of death and move technologies through the entire R&I pipeline. This option would bring together the full Aviation Research scope into PPP umbrella (JU based on Article 187), from the upstream research up to demonstrators, for a more consistent, seamless and flexible technology roadmap to implement the ACARE SRIA action lines. Compared to the current Clean Sky 2 JTI and in order to take into account the bottom-up approach in the full aeronautics research scope, an adapted and specific governance should be implemented in the future aviation PPP, with an industry-led approach for demonstrators on the one hand and a research-led one on the other hand. Furthermore the European Partnership for Clean Aviation should be based on open calls for proposals for the whole Work Programme to allow open competition while keeping industry fully involved. Although both approaches should have their own specific governance model, they should not operate in splendid isolation. Only when well connected a seamless flow of technology can be ensured. As regards the upstream and applied research part (research-led) this programme should be prepared on the basis of inputs by the research stakeholders. However, REs like DLR are playing also a major role in the top down High TRL approach. Therefore DLR is ready and willing to be closely involved in the process of developing the long-term research programme as well as the demonstrator programs in due consideration of long standing experience in managing institutional national programmes, of no private interest and the role of REs dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry in the innovation chain. All calls should be open and accessible to all stakeholders and each Call for Proposal would be validated by an aviation specific Programme Committee. Finally new and existing research infrastructures are more than ever necessary to support the revolution to zero-emission aviation. There should be a clear instrument for using research infrastructures as well as an instrument to set up new (digital) research infrastructures.
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Response to European Partnership for Clean Hydrogen

27 Aug 2019

DLR, the German Aerospace Center, welcomes the European Commission´s approach for R&I partnerships under the umbrella term 'European Partnerships' in the upcoming EU´s research and innovation programme. The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has been instrumental in building a well-structured innovation ecosystem of industry, research and technology organizations as well as universities. This ecosystem has developed key technologies and brought a first generation of products. It is essential to build on this success and have a renewed programme which covers the whole technology readiness chain from low TRL research up to market ready solutions in order to develop the next generation of technologies. The JU is recognized as a highly effective means of implementation of the programme, the right instrument in an area requiring substantial resources (financial, know-how and research capabilities) and where EU global competitiveness is at stake. It is efficient, delivers against its objectives and is effectively managed to build a community engaged in FCH technologies. It adds value to reinforce EU’s competitiveness and achieve Europe’s priorities in this important R&I sector. Facing massive societal challenges, hydrogen can play a significant role helping Europe to achieve its climate and energy objectives (e.g. Paris Agreement). With regard to the Clean Hydrogen partnership in Horizon Europe, we call for the form of an institutionalized partnership set up under the Article 187 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
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Meeting with Ivo Schmidt (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

27 Nov 2018 · Low Emission Mobility

Response to MFF: 9th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and Rules for Participation and Dissemination

21 Aug 2018

Please see the attached document for DLR's recommendations regarding the legislative proposal COM(2018)435.
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Meeting with Blaz Pongracic (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

26 Mar 2018 · Future mobility trends

Meeting with Manuel Nobre Goncalves (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Flughafen München GmbH

9 Oct 2017 · Ideas for the next Framework programme

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

24 May 2017 · budget

Meeting with Manuel Nobre Goncalves (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas)

16 May 2017 · DLR introductory meeting

Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Vice-President) and

9 Feb 2017 · EU Space Strategy, Energy research

Meeting with Christian Linder (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

21 Apr 2016 · Energy Research; R&I and Competitiveness Strategy

Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Vice-President)

16 Feb 2016 · Space policy, energy research

Meeting with Friedrich-Nikolaus von Peter (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

28 May 2015 · Meeting with DLR

Meeting with Friedrich-Nikolaus von Peter (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

8 May 2015 · Meeting with DLR

Meeting with Jocelyn Fajardo (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

8 Jan 2015 · Road Safety policy