The German Aerospace Center (DLR) faces a projected shortfall of 21 million euros in public funding for the coming year, according to a confirmation from Carsten Körber, a CDU budget policy representative, shared with the “Industrie und Handel” newsletter from Politico. The current draft budget for 2026 indicates a 21 million euro deficit for the center.
Körber expressed concern regarding the budgetary situation, stating that it deviates from principles of fiscal clarity and accuracy. The planned allocation for DLR is slated to decrease by 14 percent, reaching 550 million euros. Addressing this funding gap will be a key discussion point in the ongoing budget negotiations.
DLR has declined to comment on the ongoing budgetary discussions, choosing to await the outcome of the process and subsequently determine how to manage available resources.
The underlying issue stems from a dispute over responsibility between the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research. A planned restructuring of DLR, intended to shift its administrative oversight, remains unresolved. The transfer, initially targeted for completion by August 1st, has not been finalized.
Körber indicated that budget officials are requesting definitive budget plans reflecting the new organizational structure prior to the budget cleaning session. He suggested the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action implemented savings by reducing funding for areas slated for restructuring, describing it as a comparatively straightforward solution.