On 20 November 2025, the official kick-off meeting of the European Pioneer DAC Train (PioDAC) project took place in Copenhagen, held within the framework of the High-Level Freight Meeting 2025 organized by UIC and CER. The PioDAC project, funded by the European Union through the CEF programme and managed by CINEA, represents a major step towards the deployment of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) in European rail freight operations. The event was part of the annual CER–UIC gathering, which brought together senior representatives of Europe’s rail freight companies, the European Commission and national authorities.
A particularly important highlight of the project is the involvement of SEESARI (South-East Europe Strategic Alliance for Rail Innovation) as one of the partners. Through its participation, the South-East Europe region becomes actively engaged in the development of cutting-edge European railway technologies. SEESARI plays a key role in strengthening interoperability, supporting technological progress and promoting the integration of South-East Europe into the wider European freight network.
Over the next 36 months, PioDAC will conduct extensive real-life testing of DAC-equipped trains in commercial operations. These tests will take place in cross-border traffic, at marshalling yards, on industrial sidings and under varying infrastructure and climate conditions across Europe. The aim is to gather reliable operational data that will inform the future large-scale implementation of DAC on the Trans-European freight corridors.
The kick-off in Copenhagen clearly demonstrated that Europe is entering a decisive phase in the modernisation of rail freight transport. DAC is regarded as a transformative technology that will significantly enhance efficiency, safety and competitiveness. SEESARI’s involvement underscores that South-East Europe is not only following these developments but is actively co-shaping the future of European railways and contributing to the introduction of one of the most significant technological innovations in the sector in decades.
More information about the event is available on the websites of CER and UIC:
