On November 3, 2025, a high-level event was held at TownHall Europe in Brussels to discuss the development and deployment of zero-emission aircraft in Europe. Organized by stakeholders including T&E, Aura Aéro, Elysian Aircraft, and Vaeridion, the event focused on opportunities and challenges related to electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies for aviation.
William Todts, Executive Director of T&E, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of integrating electric and hydrogen aviation into Europe's clean industrial strategy to maintain global leadership. Industry progress, certification timelines, and infrastructure needs for hydrogen-electric flight were outlined by Giovanni Raimondi from Safran and Victor Vareille from ZeroAvia, highlighting ongoing advancements.
Panels addressed support mechanisms for disruptive research and development, with representatives from EU agencies such as DG RTD, DG MOVE, and DG CLIMA, along with airlines and manufacturers, discussing the importance of risk-tolerant funding, early airport planning, and collaboration between research, certification, and deployment sectors.
The session concluded with remarks by Pierpaolo Settembri, Deputy Head of Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, who noted the critical role of EU programs and regulation in facilitating the introduction of zero-emission aircraft into the commercial fleet.
