Throughout 2025, the UIC Security Department advanced its strategic priorities by completing major European funded projects, expanding its research portfolio and reinforcing cooperation amongst members, thus strengthening cooperation and increasing resilience across the railway sector.
The IMPRESS project successfully reached its conclusion, and its practical results represent key resources to improve railway security through awareness and training. At the same time, the launch of CBRNe4rail and BEHOLDER opened a new phase in CBRNe-related research, strengthening efforts on detection, preparedness and situational awareness. Furthermore, CYRUS has continued to progress, developing and piloting cyber security trainings adapted to the transport sector, available for free until end February 2026!
Border-related security work also moved forward through several complementary initiatives. The SafeTravellers project held its railway pilot activity at UIC, offering participants the opportunity to test solutions for secure and efficient cross border travel. In parallel, ODYSSEUS closed its activities after completing its pilots and releasing a video presenting key achievements. Building on this experience, the newly launched ORION project will address wider border security challenges.
Continuing the efforts of the rail sector to be active contributors in the fight against human trafficking, the Security Platform organised a joint workshop with RAILPOL, launched a joint informal expert group with UNECE, with a goal to publish a guidance document for the sector in 2026 and contributed to the UNODC Constructive Dialogue on Trafficking in Persons.
The Security Platform working groups (WGs) continued to provide opportunities for collaboration between UIC members on cross cutting topics. The New Technologies WG published a new paper on Artificial Intelligence applications in rail security. The Human Factors WG explored the feeling of security and the Crisis Management WG focused on Business Continuity Management. In parallel, the Strategy WG launched a survey on the Security Continuum and the Sabotage, Intrusion and Attack WG initiated a Threat Landscape survey.
Practical exchange among members was further supported through the Network of Quick Responders, a tool which allows members to ask one another about arising security issues and receive rapid feedback. Three such surveys were carried out, focusing on explosive trace detection, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and security challenges linked to sports supporters. The results of which provide an updated picture of current practices and help contribute to a stronger shared understanding of security issues.
The UIC Rail Security Hub was further enriched with new resources, including new solutions on women’s security and tools derived from IMPRESS results, reinforcing its role as an accessible, solutions-oriented platform for members.
Cooperation within UIC’s Regions also remained a priority. The Security Department coordinated a Latin America Region webinar on metal theft and actively participated in a series of informational meetings for both the African Region and Asia-Pacific Region. In the North American Region, a highlight was active participation in the APTA Rail Conference Security and Emergency Roundtable and session on “Assessing Risk, Developing Mitigation Strategies and Measuring Results to Enhance the Protection of Public Transit.”
The year concluded with strong international engagement, particularly during the 20th UIC World Security Congress co-organised with ONCF in Rabat, Morocco, under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The event brought together rail security experts and stakeholders from across the world to exchange experiences, discuss trends and showcase innovative solutions, such as AI and integrated surveillance systems. The final declaration highlighted the importance of combining human capabilities and technology to ensure an effective and sustainable security strategy for the future.
The Security Department wishes you all a very happy New Year.
