ERS Summit 2026: Warsaw Brings Europe’s Rolling Stock Leaders Together for Two Days of Industry Debate

The European Rolling Stock Summit (ERS Summit) 2026 took place in Warsaw on March 16–17, bringing together decision-makers from across the rail freight sector. The two-day event gathered wagon keepers, OEMs, ECMs, and suppliers, creating a platform for both technical discussions and strategic exchange

RAILTARGET attended the summit on site, where a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions showed the industry’s current priorities.

Digitalisation and Smart Freight

The first day opened with a keynote from Pio Guido (ERA), who addressed the growing need for smart freight solutions across Europe. This was followed by a panel discussion on the state of digitalisation in freight rolling stock, moderated by Miroslav Haltuf, with contributions from Philipp Aubert (Cargobeamer), Pawel Seluk (Freightliner PL), and Günter Petschnig (PJM).

Digital transformation remained a central theme throughout the day. Enno Wiebe (UNIFE) presented the supply industry’s perspective on digitalisation, interoperability, and military mobility, while Federico Pocetti (Mercitalia Intermodal) focused on the transition from digital wagon concepts to real-world deployment.

Further sessions explored operational efficiency and innovation, including a presentation by Francis VanDer Ghinst (Railnova) on data ownership and fleet optimisation. The programme also addressed infrastructure and regional connectivity, with Jean-Marc Bedmar (RB Rail AS) outlining the role of Rail Baltica in strengthening European rail links.

Technical and financial aspects were also covered. Petr Kucharczyk (Bonatrans) examined freight wagon wheel design in the context of changing operational demands, while Christoph Pasternak (Eurofima) discussed how to finance the rollout of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). The day concluded with sessions on maintenance efficiency, state aid frameworks, and extended networking.

Regulation, Technology, and Military Mobility

The second day shifted focus towards regulatory challenges, emerging technologies, and cross-border coordination. Maciej Gladyga (ERFA) called for more coordinated efforts across the European rail sector, while Patrick Sluga (SWS Power Solutions) pointed out the economic pressures facing rail freight.

Technology-driven innovation featured prominently. Pawel Nedzielski (Nokia Mobile Networks) explored the role of 5G in railway operations, and Daniel Lopour (EUSPA) presented how EU space technologies can support smarter rail systems. A more practical perspective was offered by Michal Hojny (Level Systems), who showed how smart sensors can optimise fleet performance.

A key moment of the day was the panel discussion on interoperability in military mobility, again moderated by Miroslav Haltuf. The panel brought together Michal Vitez (ČD Cargo), Jean-Marc Bedmar (RB Rail AS), and Matthias Knuepling (GATX) to discuss coordination challenges and cross-border requirements in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.

Legal and operational frameworks were also addressed. Agnieszka Lewocka (SWP) presented on the Data Act, while Katarina Magdechova (ZVKV) shared practical insights into GCU compliance and cross-border claims, drawing on experience from Slovakia.

Networking and Cooperation at the Core

Beyond the formal programme, the summit focused on interaction between participants, with regular networking breaks and extended sessions designed to encourage discussion and cooperation. These moments allowed speakers and attendees to expand on the topics presented and explore potential partnerships.