SEESARI Strengthens Regional Leadership in Rail Innovation with Over EUR 3 Million CEF Grant for Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) Project
The international initiative SEESARI, committed to advancing rail sector modernization in Southeast Europe, has secured over EUR 3 million in EU funding through the latest Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) call. The project—implemented in partnership with Prometni institut Ljubljana and SŽ-Tovorni promet—focuses on the rollout of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), a key technology poised to transform the future of freight rail transport.
SEESARI played a leading role in forming the consortium and coordinating the successful project proposal, which supports core EU transport policy priorities, including digitalization, interoperability, and energy efficiency. The project’s approval underscores the strategic value of regional cooperation in Southeast Europe and strengthens the region’s voice in shaping Europe’s rail future.
DAC technology offers major operational benefits, such as:
- Fully automated coupling and decoupling of freight wagons
- Improved safety and operational efficiency
- Faster freight train handling and optimized train operations
For SŽ-Tovorni promet, the project represents a significant milestone in its digital logistics transformation. Meanwhile, Prometni institut Ljubljana continues to expand its expertise in advanced railway technologies.
This achievement reaffirms SEESARI’s position as a regional hub for rail innovation and development, contributing actively to the transition toward a smarter, more digital, and better-connected rail system across Southeast Europe.
