The European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) invites project developers, parking operators, public authorities, investors and transport stakeholders to its flagship September webinar, “Unlocking Funding Opportunities in Safe and Secure Parking Areas: Financing and Funding,” taking place online on 3 September 2025 from 10:00–12:00 CET. This free, expert‑led session will provide practical guidance on accessing public grants and alternative financing to design, build and upgrade certified Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs).
“ESPORG is committed to helping members and stakeholders translate strong project ideas into funded, certified SSPAs. The significant CEF investment in SSPAs highlights the priority given to driver safety and cargo protection across Europe — this webinar will guide practitioners to access those funds and complementary financing,” said Dirk Penasse, ESPORG General Manager.
This year’s webinar focuses on combining public grants (including CEF‑T) with alternative financing — private investment, public‑private partnerships and blended solutions — to mobilise capital for SSPA projects. Participants will receive actionable guidance on proposal preparation, permitting, environmental requirements, risk management and investor engagement.
The European Commission’s 2025 Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport call allocated nearly €2.8 billion to 94 TEN‑T projects, with over €91 million dedicated to SSPAs. These projects will deliver more than 3,400 certified truck parking spaces across 10 Member States (Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze). ESPORG welcomes this important EU funding allocation and is proud that nine ESPORG‑supported SSPA projects secured CEF funding — representing a combined budget of over €74,000,000 (≈81% of SSPA funding in this call). This outcome underscores ESPORG’s role in advancing safe, certified parking infrastructure across Europe.
CEF snapshot
– Purpose: CEF funds strategic TEN‑T projects to improve connectivity, sustainability, safety and cross‑border mobility.
– Tools: Competitive grants and financial instruments for infrastructure and deployment projects.
– Relevance: CEF explicitly supports SSPAs that enhance driver wellbeing, reduce cargo theft and strengthen freight resilience.
Webinar Agenda & Speakers:
• ESPORG Welcome & Introduction: Dirk Penasse, ESPORG General Manager
• EC Introductory Address: Filip Alexandru NEGREANU ARBOREANU, Deputy Head of Unit — Road Transport, DG MOVE
• Funding Opportunities in SSPAs: Frederic Maas, ESPORG Senior Adviser for SSPAs funding
• Best Practice / Success Stories: Peter Heide Wessel — Recharge City (2025 ESPORG Excellence in Truck Parking Award winner)
• Lessons Learned (readiness, permitting, PPPs, risk management, flexibility): Michal Hladky (Ministry of Transport, Slovakia)
• Q&A (live interaction with speakers)
Benefits of attending
– Clear, actionable pathways to funding (CEF‑T + alternative finance)
– First‑hand lessons from CEF‑backed projects and public authorities
– Practical tips to prepare winning proposals and engage investors
– Insights on permitting, environmental checks and risk mitigation
– Follow‑up materials and networking opportunities
