On March 4, 2026, the European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) hosted its landmark Annual Conference at the European Commission’s Borschette Building in Brussels under the theme “Recognising Truck Parking Excellence – Shaping the Parking of the Future”.

The event drew over 200 participants from across Europe and beyond, including ESPORG members, partners, stakeholders and public authorities from EU countries as well as non‑EU countries such as Turkey, the United Kingdom, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) region.

The high level discussions highlighted ESPORG’s pivotal role in transforming secure parking areas (SSPAs) from basic infrastructure into strategic service hubs that bolster safety, sustainability, resilience, and driver wellbeing within Europe’s transport and logistics ecosystem.

Michael Nielsen,

ESPORG Chairman of the Board

The conference, emceed by Michael Nielsen, ESPORG Chairman of the Board since 2017, embodied ESPORG’s mission to foster a safer, more resilient, and humane transport system. Nielsen, a pivotal leader with a keen eye for strategy and a passion for excellence, has played a key role in shaping ESPORG’s direction through initiatives in strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement. His dedication to the industry and inspiring leadership were evident as he seamlessly guided the proceedings, introducing speakers, facilitating transitions, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

For instance, while introducing awards, Nielsen highlighted the need to encourage ESPORG members to create “homes away from homes” for drivers, aligning with the organization’s focus on wellbeing and innovation.

Dirk Penasse,

ESPORG General Manager

Dirk Penasse, ESPORG General Manager, opened with a visionary introduction, stating,

“Parking has evolved from being a simple infrastructure to becoming a strategic asset.”

He emphasized the EU Parking Standard as a trusted certification embedded in supply chain legislation, recognized by shippers, insurers, and drivers, and pivotal for reducing cargo crime, supporting alternative fuels, and enabling dual-use civilian-military infrastructure. This set the stage for discussions on how SSPAs address pressing issues like annual €8.2 billion cargo theft losses, a 500,000-driver shortage, and geopolitical demands, aligning with ESPORG’s values of innovation, collaboration, and human-centered logistics.

The agenda featured insightful keynotes, in-depth panels on military mobility and drivers’ wellbeing, and awards celebrating excellence, all driving forward ESPORG’s vision of integrated, digital, and sustainable parking networks.

Marking the second year of ESPORG’s European Wellbeing Campaign, this panel—moderated by

Druselia Betea,

Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative and an expert in social sustainability

launched the “Home Away from Home” concept. It emphasized creating welcoming atmospheres for drivers across the supply chain, addressing inadequate facilities where only 2% of drivers find parking clean and 78% face dangers, to combat the driver shortage and attract diverse talent, including women. Highlights included calls for better wages, compliance with regulations like Regulation 561, and gender-responsive features like well-lit areas and reserved parking.

Sven Hemelaers,

Secretariat BTB – Secrétariat UBT, Road Transport & Logistics– Transport Routier & Logistique,

trade union representative advocate:

„The well-being of drivers must be an absolute priority for all stakeholders in the sector. BTB endorses Esporg’s well-being pledge but, in addition to the initiatives already taken, calls for special attention to be paid to the working conditions of drivers. Too often, drivers are exploited and underpaid. A fair and honest wage for acceptable working hours is essential for mental well-being. Limiting the subcontracting chain and chain liability are undeniable links in the well-being of drivers.”

He highlighted challenges like unpaid travel and the need for fair pay to ensure safe driving and rest.

Thierry Roger,

General Director of Truck House,

a secure parking operator in France:

“The well-being program should not be an option, but a duty toward those who have nothing while you have everything… Eat with them, talk with them, and love with them.”

A touching highlight was his story of driver Timur, illustrating global recruitment challenges and the human cost of poor conditions.

„Logistics runs on people, not just trucks. At Bapaume Truck House, we are committed to elevating driver wellbeing by providing the safe, high-quality environment they need to rest, and stay respected”

–

Thierry Roger, General Director of Bapaume Truck House , (FR)

In conclusion, the panel called for unified action across the supply chain to make driving attractive, with Druselia Betea noting plans for a 2027 Wellbeing Label focusing on compliance and equal treatment.  

“Only by working together — every part of the supply chain doing its best — can we truly improve drivers’ wellbeing.”

Ambassador Cosmin Boiangiu,

Executive Director of the European Labour Authority (ELA)

Francesco Corti,

Member of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu’s Cabinet at the European Commission,

with expertise in labor mobility:

” Labor mobility should be free, but it must also be fair—fair for companies, fair for workers and fair for the authorities responsible for enforcing the rules we have in place. 

If the workers in the EU road transport sector do not have access to safe and secure parking areas, in this case we cannot truly speak about good working conditions for the sector. Without adequate facilities, working conditions deteriorate, and with them the attractiveness of the sector.

Since I have the pleasure to announce the Home Away from Home award, I would like to emphasise its importance in promoting safe and secure parking areas. These are places where drivers can genuinely feel at home. This means not only having access to food, proper bathrooms and shower facilities, but also having the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether a driver is a woman or a man, they should have the same possibility as anyone else who finishes work and goes home—to go for a run, to exercise, or to go to the gym.

ESPORG’s Wellbeing Initiative is therefore extremely important. We must actively promote parking areas that are both safe and secure. As the European Commission, we have a clear responsibility in this field, because it is an area where European action brings real added value.”

Excellence in Truck Parking Award 

Winner: Bapaume Truck House (FR) 

Presented by: Dirk Penasse, General Manager European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) 

Description: Awarded for exceptional comfort, safety, service and innovation that raise standards for professional drivers across Europe.

Home Away from Home Award 

Winner: Truck Etape Béziers (FR) 

Presented by: Member of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu’s Cabinet at the European Commission & Ambassador Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labour Authority (ELA)

Description: Celebrates facilities that create welcoming, healthy and supportive environments for drivers — true “homes away from home.”

Runners‑up & Certificates of Achievement 

– Excellence in Truck Parking — Runner‑up: Recharge City (European Excellence in Truck Parking 2026 runner‑up certificate) 

– Home Away from Home — Runner‑up: LeShuttle Freight Village (Home Away from Home 2026 runner‑up certificate) 

– Certificates of achievement awarded to Parking Truck Arena 31 (FR), Andamur La Jonquera (ES), and San Román Service Area (ES).

For more information about the ESPORG Truck Parking Awards, including entry details, eligibility criteria, and to view past winners, please visit our official webpage at www.truckparkingaward.eu . Join us in recognising excellence in truck parking and promoting safety and wellbeing for professional drivers across Europe!

Closing Remarks: A Call to Action

Dirk Penasse concluded:

“Infrastructure would serve people first… ESPORG stands ready to support its members in the development of secure parking areas.”

The event ended with drinks at Autobus, Brussels, reinforcing collaborations.

This conference propelled ESPORG’s vision, uniting stakeholders for a Europe where secure parking drives safety, sustainability, and prosperity. Join us next year!

Let us know how you experienced the ESPORG 2026 Conference!

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