On 4 December 2025, EU and regional officials, together with ESPORG and stakeholders from across the European transport and logistics sector gathered in Remicourt, near Liège, to celebrate the official opening of the new Safe and Secure Truck Parking Area (SSTPA) Liège–Remicourt— also known as TRUCK PARK LIÈGE.
Co-funded at 50% by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), this infrastructure represents a tangible investment in the security, comfort, and sustainability of road transport in the Walloon Region and across the EU’s core transport network. The Safe and Secure Truck Parking Area Liège–Remicourt has been welcoming professional drivers since its public opening on 3 November 2025. Further details about the site’s features and technical specifications are available in a dedicated ESPORG publication.
Opening the inauguration ceremony, Stéphan Uhoda, CEO of the Uhoda Group, expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to making the project possible — from the European Commission and CINEA to the Hesbymazout project team. He also announced that this success will pave the way for new collaborative initiatives involving both the Uhoda Group and Hesbymazout (which is part of the Uhoda Group) to further expand the SSTPA network in Belgium.
European and Regional Leadership Supporting Safer Parkings
Attending the official opening of the new safe and secure truck parking area in Liège – Remicourt, François Desquesnes, Vice-President and Walloon Minister of Territory, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Local Authorities, underlined the strategic importance of road transport for the Walloon economy. He emphasized how the new parking area aligns with regional plans to improve freight logistics and driver working conditions through better infrastructure and safer resting environments.
Jean-Louis Colson, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), addressed the broader European policy context. He reiterated the shared recognition across the transport sector of the urgent need for more certified parking areas. Citing a report released by the European Commission in November 2025, he noted that the EU faces a shortage of over 480,000 safe and secure parking spaces by 2040. He encouraged continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders to upgrade uncertified sites, integrate SSTPA development into national strategies, and leverage EU funding mechanisms to ensure driver safety and cargo protection.
Representing the agency responsible for managing CEF funding and support, Panagiotis Iordanopoulos, Project Adviser at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) presented an overview of CINEA’s role in implementing EU transport priorities, the range of funding instruments available, and examples of truck parking projects co-funded across Europe. He also outlined opportunities for future SSTPA-related initiatives under current and upcoming EU funding calls.
The atmosphere was friendly and forward-looking, bringing together representatives from ESPORG, parking operators and managers, architects, engineers, and digital service providers such as app and booking system developers. During the inauguration, participants took part in guided visits of the Liège–Remicourt parking site, showcasing its advanced security systems, service facilities, and compliance with EU-Parking Gold certification standards.
Co-funded at 50% by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), this infrastructure represents a tangible investment in the security, comfort, and sustainability of road transport in the Walloon Region and across the EU’s core transport network. The Safe and Secure Truck Parking Area Liège–Remicourt has been welcoming professional drivers since its public opening on 3 November 2025. Further details about the site’s features and technical specifications are available in a dedicated ESPORG publication.
Opening the inauguration ceremony, Stéphan Uhoda, CEO of the Uhoda Group, expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to making the project possible — from the European Commission and CINEA to the Hesbymazout project team. He also announced that this success will pave the way for new collaborative initiatives involving both the Uhoda Group and Hesbymazout (which is part of the Uhoda Group) to further expand the SSTPA network in Belgium.
Parking project born in Liège, oriented to the EU
“We wanted to create a place that is both practical and human. TRUCK PARK LIÈGE is a project born here, in Hesbaye, designed for the drivers who cross our region every day.” said Alain Riskin, General Director of Hesbymazout.
The construction lasted over two years and involved several local companies, further strengthening Wallonia’s position as a logistics hub at the crossroads of major European transport flows.
Alain Riskin added:
“Driver well-being is at the heart of the project. We worked closely with them to understand their real needs. Here, they can rest, eat a hot meal and wash. Simply live better on the road.”
To reinforce this commitment, Hesbymazout is an active signatory of the Drivers’ Wellbeing Pledge, part of the European Wellbeing Initiative powered by ESPORG.
First Dedicated Area for Female Drivers in Wallonia
TRUCK PARK LIÈGE is the first site in Wallonia to include an area reserved exclusively for female drivers, featuring private sanitary facilities, a fully equipped shower, mirrors, a hairdryer, hygiene products, and a secured rest area.
As the European organization representing safe and secure truck parkings, ESPORG played a key supporting role throughout the project, providing technical guidance and professional training to Hesbymazout parking team that attended the EU Parking Academy, including the mandatory training for managers and staff members of the parking area in view of the successful certification.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Dirk Penasse, ESPORG General Manager, stated:
“The Liège–Remicourt SSTPA shows what can be achieved when committed operators, EU institutions and regional authorities work together. EU funding is essential for accelerating the development of safe and secure parking infrastructure across Europe and ESPORG is proud to support members like Hesbymazout in delivering top-quality facilities that enhance driver wellbeing and transport security along EU logistics chains.”
The opening of the Liège–Remicourt SSTPA stands as a model for cross-sector collaboration and an important contribution to Europe’s ongoing effort to enhance road safety, security, and sustainability across the TEN-T network.
