Wellbeing Days Romania 2025: Driving Change for Safer Parkings

The inaugural Wellbeing Days in Romania, held on October 14 at TransLogistica Bucharest, marked a defining moment in ESPORG’s four-year European Wellbeing Campaign.

Hosted in partnership with the Freight Forwarders Association of Romania (USER) — ESPORG’s official Wellbeing Ambassador for Romania — the event brought together industry leaders, EU policymakers and logistics professionals for a full day of discussion, recognition, and action dedicated to improving the wellbeing of transport workers.

With more than 2,000 participants, 100 exhibitors, and 36 international companies, TransLogistica Romania provided the perfect setting for this important dialogue — one that put drivers’ wellbeing firmly at the center of the European transport agenda.

A Strong Message from the European Commission

For the opening of the Wellbeing event in Bucharest, Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Social Rights, Skills, and Quality Jobs, send an inspiring message of support:

Quote by EC Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu

“Safe and secure parking isn’t just a logistical issue — it’s about guaranteeing drivers’ dignity, safety, and respect. When we invest in better places for them to rest and work, we not only make the job more appealing and tackle labour shortages, but also strengthen road transport as the backbone of Europe’s economy. The European Wellbeing Initiative is a good example of how to translate these words into action for improving drivers’ working conditions. It reinforces our broader ambition to make labour mobility more fair, sustainable and human-centred. Investing in wellbeing means investing in European working force and in the resilience of our single market.”

A video message from Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, also reaffirmed the European Commission’s backing for ESPORG’s Wellbeing Campaign, recognizing its value in tackling driver shortages and improving the attractiveness of the transport profession across Europe. Watch the full EC message here → esporg.eu/yearly-conference

“Wellbeing Is Key” — ESPORG’s Vision for the Future

Opening the event, Dirk Penasse, General Manager of ESPORG, emphasized that drivers’ wellbeing and road safety are inseparable:

“Wellbeing is key. We must ensure that professional drivers are respected and can do their job in good social conditions. This is how we attract young drivers and women, reduce accidents, and prevent diseases — because wellbeing optimizes the entire supply chain.”

Representing a network of more than 120 members operating Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs) certified under the EU Parking Standard (EU Delegated Regulation 2022/1012), ESPORG plays a leading role in promoting infrastructure that supports both security and quality of life for drivers.

“Safe and Secure Parking Areas are no longer just parking lots,” added Dirk Penasse. “They are service hubs of the future — improving drivers’ wellbeing, supporting the energy transition, and strengthening logistics and mobility resilience across Europe.”

Inspiring Leadership: The Power of Wellbeing

At the heart of ESPORG’s European Wellbeing Initiative (EWELLIN) stands Druselia Betea, its founder and coordinator. Her leadership and passion for education and human resources development have turned the campaign into a truly pan-European movement.

“Secure parking is the solution to improving working conditions and the wellbeing of drivers,” said Druselia Betea, adding that “Through education, training, and recognition, we empower companies to treat drivers with the dignity they deserve — because a well driver means a safer road for everyone.”

Launched in March 2025 with the support of the European Commission, the Wellbeing Campaign has already brought together over 100 signatories — including EU and industry leaders and authorities, transport companies, social partners, and parking operators — with participation continuing to grow across Europe.

Insightful Panels

Two lively panels anchored the programe of Wellbeing days in Romania:

• Panel 1: “Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas — Service Hubs at the Heart of the EU Road Transport Network”, moderated by Roxana Ilie, Executive Secretary of ESPORG, featured Claudiu Staicu (General Director within the General Directorate for European Transport Programs – Romanian Ministry of Transport) and Iuliana Badea (USER). Filip-Alexandru Negreanu-Arboreanu (DG MOVE) joined online.
  The speakers highlighted how the EU’s parking standards and partnerships between public and private actors are redefining the transport landscape.
• Panel 2: “Drivers’ Wellbeing — An Investment in Safe Transport and Logistics”, led by Druselia Betea, head of EWELLIN brought together Claudia Tapardel (President of Women in Transport & Tourism –WTTA), Calin Orlando Cocis (President, Trade Union CNSLR-Frăția), Denisa Oltean (Founding Member of the Alliance for the Sustainability of Authorized Romanian Transporters ), Mike Yarwood (TT Club), Florin Vlăduț (Smart Autohof Pecica – Gold Certified SSPA). Ivan Mekinda (ELA) joined online.
  Discussions focused on how driver wellbeing, rest, and recognition directly translate into safer, more efficient logistics operations.

Recognising the Ambassadors of Wellbeing

During the closing session, Druselia Betea presented the Wellbeing Ambassador Certificate to Iuliana Badea, Secretary General of USER, for her outstanding contribution to promoting driver wellbeing in Romania. “We are honoured to have been given the title of Wellbeing Ambassador,” said Iuliana Badea. “We will continue to do the hard work and address the sensitive wellbeing topics .”

Lucas Picard (Eurotunnel France)  invited participants to the next Wellbeing Event at Le Shuttle Freight Village, while dozens of attendees took part in the official signing of the Wellbeing Pledge, committing to better health, safety, and respect for drivers across Europe.

The Wellbeing Days Romania event generated widespread attention — featured in more than 20 media outlets and reaching over 25,000 readers — reflecting how deeply the issue of driver wellbeing resonates across the industry.

As Dirk Penasse concluded:

“Without drivers, transport stops. We must take care of those who keep Europe moving.”

The success of the event, held amid the dynamic setting of TransLogistica Romania, underscores the growing momentum of ESPORG’s European Wellbeing Initiative.

Together with its partners and ambassadors, ESPORG is shaping a future where every transport professional can truly Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, and Live Well.

✅ Follow the movement:
🌐 www.ewellin.eu | www.wellbeingcampaign.eu
✍️ Sign the Wellbeing Pledge: www.wellbeingpledge.eu

Fotografie realizata de Radu Soare