20/05/2026
Today the European Wellbeing Initiative powered by ESPORG vzw had the honour to participate in the full-day ELA Information Seminar for Road Transport Operators in Croatia, organised by the European Labour Authority (ELA) in collaboration with the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
Driver wellbeing was the true red thread running through every session. When professional drivers can rest safely, comfortably and with dignity, the entire sector benefits: fewer fatigue-related accidents, better compliance with rules, improved work-life balance, and a more attractive profession that helps tackle the growing driver shortage.
Together with Dirk Penasse (General Manager, ESPORG vzw) and Druselia Betea (Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative), we presented how certified **Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPA)** serve as genuine “homes away from home”. Quality rest is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing. It reduces chronic fatigue, supports mental health, and makes long-haul driving sustainable for drivers — including more women and younger generations.
Under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012, SSPAs are certified across four levels (Bronze to Platinum) with clear EU standards for 24/7 security, hygiene, comfort services and inclusive facilities. These standards directly enable compliance with Mobility Package I driving and rest time rules — turning legal obligations into real daily practice while prioritising driver wellbeing.
The afternoon Safe Parking Network Panel, expertly moderated by Caroline Meumann, delivered rich and honest dialogue. Key messages that resonated strongly:
- Secure parking is not a luxury but a precondition for wellbeing, road safety and Mobility Package implementation.
- Europe faces a serious gap: only around 5,000 certified SSPAs out of ~380,000 truck parking spaces.
- Many drivers are unaware of existing facilities or hesitant to use them — better information, awareness campaigns and a mindset shift are urgently needed.
Excellent contributions from Ana de Miranda (DG MOVE), Christina Tilling (ETF), Mateusz Urasiński (IRU), Franc Hajdinjak and other Croatian Ministry experts showed real alignment: we need joint action on financing, digitalisation, data sharing and stronger cooperation — always with **driver wellbeing at the core**.
Our sincere thanks to the entire ELA team: Roberta Kurti Vuković, Caroline M., Tonio Boer and Ivan Mekinda.
Special thanks to the Croatian Ministry speakers: Damir Damjanović, Antun Došen, Mario Pehar and Franc Hajdinjak.
Warm thanks also to all participants, Croatian trade unions and INA Ježevo Parking for the excellent hosting.
At the European Wellbeing Initiative we leave Zagreb even more motivated: putting driver wellbeing first through high-quality secure parking is one of the most impactful investments we can make for safer, fairer and more sustainable road transport in Europe.