01. December 2025, 11:06 o'Clock
Article: Strengthening rail, securing Europe: freight rail executives provide clear impetus in Copenhagen
Europe's freight rail operators are calling for better infrastructure, more intermodality and innovations such as the DAK – to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and security.
At the High-Level Freight Meeting in Copenhagen, organised by the European Rail Freight Association, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the International Union of Railways ( UIC), more than 70 top representatives from the European Commission, industry associations and industry came together. The focus was on how European rail freight transport can strengthen industry, trade and safety in Europe in the long term.
The requirements are clear: better connections between rail, road and ports, a robust and future-proof infrastructure, and investment in digital innovations such as the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). New survey data also shows broad public support for stronger intermodal transport – in particular to reduce emissions, congestion and risks in road haulage.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding for the PioDAC project in Copenhagen sends a strong signal in favour of digital automatic coupling. Partners from seven European countries, including DB Cargo, are taking the next big step towards introducing DAC. Several so-called Pioneer DAC trains will go into operation from 2027. These are commercial trains from various freight railways that will be tested in regular operation on important trans-European corridors for several months – with different types of vehicles and freight. The findings will be crucial for the EU-wide introduction of DAK. The technology will be put to the test rig and validated in real-world operation. The project is co-financed by the European Union.
Important milestone. The Pioneer DAC Train (PioDAC) project is launched.
Birgit Wirth, CEO of DB Cargo Scandinavia and Head of DB Cargo European Rail Logistics Company, emphasised the importance of the exchange: "Rail freight transport is indispensable for the economy and security in Europe. Together with our partners, we are driving innovation and making rail the backbone of a climate-friendly European freight transport system."
Birgit Wirth, CEO of DB Cargo Scandinavia and Head of DB Cargo European Rail Logistics Company, at the High-Level Freight Meeting in Copenhagen.
Port associations, logistics organisations and industry partners emphasised the central role of an efficient rail infrastructure for Europe's competitiveness. From the industry's point of view, the upcoming EU port strategy offers an opportunity to significantly strengthen rail-port connections.
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