Ewellin - European Wellbeing Initiative

16/10/2026

🚛 FEMALE TRUCK DRIVERS - WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!

What is life really like on the road? What makes you feel safe? What would you change about truck parking areas, rest facilities or working conditions?

We invite female truck drivers and former female truck drivers to join our focus group discussions and share their experiences.

💬 We want to talk about:
•Life and work on the road.
•Safety and security at truck parking areas.
•Toilets, showers and rest facilities.
•Challenges faced at work and in daily life.
•Health, comfort and wellbeing.
•What could make the profession better for women.

This is a chance to speak openly, share ideas and learn from other women who understand what life behind the wheel is really like.

You don't need to prepare anything or be an expert. Your personal experience is what matters!

Would you like to contribute? Fill in the registration form 👉 https://bit.ly/3U0ywzd

Let's make sure women's voices are heard in European road transport!

Women Wellbeing Working Group
EWELLIN · Powered by Esporg

Drive Safe · Park Safe · Work Safe · Live Well

13/10/2026

💙 Safe and Secure Parking Areas: Building safer roads and supporting driver wellbeing!

At Connecting Europe Days 2026 in Brussels, the session “Safe truck parking as the backbone of resilient and green road freight corridors” brought together key representatives from the European transport and logistics sector to discuss the future of safe, sustainable and resilient freight corridors.

Moderated by Frédéric Versini, Head of Unit Road Transport at DG MOVE, European Commission, the discussion featured Dirk Penasse (ESPORG), Markus Prinz (TAPA EMEA), Radu Cojocariu (EUMS), André Wessels (Wessels Logistik), Raluca Marian (IRU) and Joshua Finch (TT Club).

The discussion highlighted the importance of certified Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs) in strengthening the TEN-T network, improving road freight security and supporting the green transition. Key topics included driver safety and wellbeing, services for women drivers, digitalisation, zero-emission infrastructure and military mobility.

Beyond infrastructure and security, one message stood out: safe parking is essential for driver wellbeing.
These facilities are where professional drivers can rest, recover and feel safe and respected. They provide the foundation for better working and resting conditions and bring to life the “Home Away from Home” concept promoted by the European Wellbeing Initiative.

At ESPORG, we believe that the next generation of parking areas must put people at the heart of infrastructure development, combining security, sustainability, quality services and wellbeing.

Our sincere thanks to Frédéric Versini and DG MOVE for bringing this important topic to the Connecting Europe Days agenda, and to all panellists for a valuable discussion.

💙 Because better parking means better conditions for the people who keep Europe moving.

12/10/2026

🧡 Driver wellbeing takes centre stage at Connecting Europe Days 2026!

At Connecting Europe Days 2026 in Brussels, Iuliana Badea, General Secretary of the Romanian Freight Forwarders Association (USER) and Romania’s first Wellbeing Ambassador of the European Wellbeing Initiative (EWELLIN), joined Session 18: Improving Working Conditions in Transport and Tourism.

Moderated by Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General of DG MOVE at the European Commission, the session brought together European policymakers and industry representatives to discuss better working conditions in transport and tourism.

Iuliana shared USER’s experience in organising Wellbeing Days at TransLogistica Bucharest in October 2025, under the pan-European campaign “Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Live Well.”
This commitment led to USER becoming the first Wellbeing Ambassador in Romania within EWELLIN, powered by ESPORG.
As an active Ambassador, USER contributes to the European initiative through:

🔹Wellbeing Working Groups developing practical solutions for drivers' physical, mental and emotional health.
🔹The Women Wellbeing Working Group, supporting research into the specific needs of female truck drivers.
🔹The Data & Impact Assessment Task Force, helping measure the campaign's progress and impact.

Driver wellbeing is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain. Together, we are working towards safer, healthier and more inclusive conditions for everyone who keeps Europe moving.

Our sincere thanks to Magda Kopczyńska and the European Commission for inviting USER to this important discussion and putting driver wellbeing firmly on the Connecting Europe Days agenda.
We are proud of USER's continued commitment and its contribution to bringing the Romanian perspective into the European wellbeing movement!

💙 Together, let's make wellbeing part of the journey!

17/07/2026

There's a movement building across Europe — one that starts with a simple idea: the people who keep this continent moving deserve an industry that takes their health, safety, and happiness seriously. 🧡

We're Ewellin — the European Wellbeing Initiative.

We work with transport companies, parking operators, unions, and European institutions to build real, practical frameworks for driver wellbeing. Not promises. Not reports. Working groups that co-design solutions. Events that bring specialists to the parking area. Certification programmes that hold operators to a standard.

Everything we do — the Wellbeing Pledge, the Wellbeing Campaign, the Home Away from Home concept, the Wellbeing Label — is built around one goal: a professional life built on real rest, good health, and the dignity they've always deserved.

Follow this page. You belong here. 🛡️

Learn more → https://ewellin.eu/

Find certified secure parking → https://esporg.eu/sstpas/sstpas-map/

Drive Safe • Park Safe • Work Safe • Live Well

From the moment a company signs the Wellbeing Pledge, it steps onto a clear Unified Action Plan built around six flagship programmes: cross‑company Wellbeing Working Groups that co‑design day‑to‑day solutions; the continent‑wide “Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Li...

18/06/2026

Truck Park Brescia Est Named First Wellbeing Ambassador in Italy

In a moment of profound significance for the European transport sector, the Ewellin - European Wellbeing Initiative (Ewellin), powered by Esporg, proudly designated Truck Park Brescia Est – Autoparco Brescia Est as the first Wellbeing Ambassador in Italy. This landmark recognition took place during the inaugural Italian edition of the “Drive Safe · Park Safe · Work Safe · Live Well” campaign, held from 5 to 7 June 2026 at this flagship facility along the vital A4 corridor.

Spanning 173,000 m² and honoured with the prestigious EU Parking Standard Gold Certification, Truck Park Brescia Est — expertly managed by A4 Trading S.r.l. (part of the A4 Holding Group) — stands as Europe’s largest and most advanced secure truck parking area. With 265 secure parking spaces, 24/7 video surveillance and guarding, hotel rooms, a restaurant-pizzeria, showers, laundry facilities, and a full range of driver services, it has masterfully transformed a functional stop into a genuine “Home Away From Home” for professional drivers.

The Wellbeing Ambassador Ceremony: A Heartfelt Recognition of Excellence

The emotional and symbolic highlight of the event was the Wellbeing Ambassador Ceremony, held on 5–6 June. Led by Dirk Penasse, General Manager of Esporg, together with Druselia Betea, Head of the Ewellin - European Wellbeing Initiative, the distinguished team from Truck Park Brescia Est — Pier Giovanni Pisani (General Manager of A4 Trading), Nelly Girlanda, Jessica Turato, and Roger — received their official Wellbeing Ambassador Certificates in a moving ceremony.

This prestigious title celebrates organisations and visionary leaders who go far beyond operational excellence to actively champion the dignity, health, safety, and holistic wellbeing of professional drivers. By naming Truck Park Brescia Est as Italy’s first Wellbeing Ambassador, Ewellin acknowledges their outstanding commitment to creating spaces where drivers are not merely accommodated, but truly cared for — fostering restorative rest, physical and mental resilience, and a profound sense of human value.

Druselia Betea captured the essence of the moment with these inspiring words:
“Today we are not just talking about parking spaces — we are investing in human lives. Every secure parking spot, every moment of restorative rest, and every act of care we provide is a step toward ensuring that professional drivers return home safely to their families. This is our shared mission: to transform infrastructure into wellbeing, fatigue into vitality, and isolation into connection.”

The ceremony represents a deeper commitment: building a more humane European transport ecosystem where those who keep our economies and societies moving are recognised, supported, and empowered.

A Rich, Multifaceted Programme of Dialogue and Impact

The three-day event seamlessly blended high-level institutional dialogue with practical, driver-centred initiatives, all aligned with the four-year “Drive Safe · Park Safe · Work Safe · Live Well” campaign launched in collaboration with the European Commission.

Day 1 featured powerful institutional addresses, beginning with a warm welcome from Pier Giovanni Pisani, followed by insightful contributions from Alfredo Baldi(Senior Project Manager at RAM S.p.A.). Dirk Penasse and Druselia Betea then presented the broader vision of the European Wellbeing Initiative, highlighting its four pillars — awareness, education, the Wellbeing Label, and stakeholder engagement.

Two substantive panel discussions enriched the programme:
- The first panel, moderated by Druselia Betea, explored “Wellbeing in Road Transport: Operators’ and Drivers’ Needs – The Role of Secure Parking,” with contributions from Alessandro Peron (FIAP), Manuel Picardi (EFA), and Dirk Penasse.
- The second panel, moderated by Mirjam Frakulla, examined “SSTPAs as Essential Infrastructures and Services: Experiences and Projects” featuring real-world insights from Pier Giovanni Pisani, Andrea Ballarin, Alessandro Geroli, Luca Arosio, and Giuseppe Dall’Asta.

Days 2 and 3, integrated with the Universal Truck Show, shifted focus directly to the drivers. Participants benefited from free health check-ups, osteopathy sessions led by Gregorio Pisani, practical workshops on nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management, as well as the engaging “Safety Challenge.” These hands-on activities brought the campaign’s prevention-focused message to life.

A Lasting Legacy for Driver Wellbeing

This groundbreaking event not only introduced the European Wellbeing Initiative to Italy but also forged stronger connections among institutions, operators, associations, and drivers. It powerfully demonstrated that high-quality Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs) are far more than infrastructure — they are vital hubs of wellbeing that reduce fatigue-related risks, enhance road safety, improve driver retention, and strengthen the entire supply chain.

Truck Park Brescia Est’s appointment as the first Italian Wellbeing Ambassador sets a luminous precedent. It proves that excellence, compassion, and innovation can — and must — go hand in hand.

Welcome to the Ewellin family, Truck Park Brescia Est. Your leadership and dedication light the way toward a more dignified, sustainable, and human-centred future for professional drivers across Europe.

Drive Safe. Park Safe. Work Safe. Live Well.💙🚛

17/06/2026

Wellbeing at OnTurtle La Jonquera: A Landmark Day of Gratitude, Dialogue, and Driver-Focused Action

On 29 May 2026, OnTurtle La Jonquera — one of Europe’s leading secure truck parking and service facilities — hosted a memorable edition of the European Wellbeing Initiative event. Organized in collaboration with Esporg (European Secure Parking Organisation) and the European Wellbeing Campaign, the gathering brought together industry leaders, policymakers, transport operators, associations, and — most importantly — professional drivers under the inspiring motto “Drive Safe · Park Safe · Work Safe · Live Well.”

This full-day programme at Polígono Industrial La Campa 5, La Jonquera (Girona), next to AP7 highway exit 2, powerfully demonstrated that driver wellbeing is a strategic priority for road safety, talent retention, operational efficiency, and the future of European logistics.

OnTurtle La Jonquera: A Model Wellbeing Hub
Rated GOLD in security and PLATINUM in services by ESPORG, OnTurtle La Jonquera offers 50 secure parking spaces with 24/7 surveillance, entry/exit barriers, LED lighting, a 2.56m protected fence, showers, rest zones, gaming areas, and a Mediterranean restaurant open 6am–2am. Healthy options, loyalty discounts (e.g., complete menu for 12.90€), and seamless payments make it a true “home away from home.”

OnTurtle was officially recognized as a Wellbeing Ambassador during the event, highlighting the leadership of Marta Fàbregas (CEO), Pablo Combalía (BDM), Pere Pinto (Business Development Director), and the entire team.

Morning: Strategic Dialogue and Commitment
The day started at Hotel Tramuntana with networking, followed by insightful roundtables moderated by Pablo Combalía:

- “The Future of Road Transport: Challenges and Safety” — Tackling driver shortages, the ~390,000 secure parking deficit in the EU, technology (AI, ADAS, telematics), sustainability, and attracting new generations.
- “Health and Wellbeing in Road Transport” — Holistic approaches to physical, mental, and social wellbeing, integration into business strategy, mental health challenges (loneliness, stress), impacts on safety/productivity/retention, and ROI measurement.

A highlight was the Gratitude Jar activity led by Druselia Betea (Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative), where participants left heartfelt messages of appreciation for truck drivers. The morning closed with the signing of the Wellbeing Pledge, a public commitment to concrete improvements.

Afternoon Dedicated to Drivers: Practical Wellbeing, Self-Care, and Joy
The second part of the event shifted fully to the drivers — the heart of the initiative — creating a dedicated wellbeing zone with hands-on, practical activities designed to support their daily lives on the road.

Drivers passing through the facility, along with event participants, enjoyed:

- Free barber shop and haircuts — Professional hairdressing sessions offering a fresh look and a moment of personal care, a popular and appreciated service that combines grooming with relaxed conversation.
- Health check-ups and healthy lifestyle information — On-site screenings, advice on nutrition, fatigue management, physical activity, and preventive health tips tailored to the realities of long-haul driving. Experts shared practical guidance on maintaining wellbeing amid demanding schedules.
- Social games and recreational moments — Fun activities such as foosball (futbolín), darts tournaments, and other interactive games that encouraged laughter, camaraderie, and stress relief in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Guided visits to OnTurtle facilities — Drivers explored the secure parking, rest areas, restaurant, showers, and amenities firsthand, seeing how quality infrastructure supports compliant rest, reduces fatigue, and improves daily life.
- Gifts and additional wellbeing offerings — Thoughtful tokens and resources to take on the road, reinforcing the message of appreciation and support.

These activities transformed the parking area into a vibrant hub of care and connection, allowing drivers to recharge physically, mentally, and socially while sharing real experiences with industry stakeholders.

The Core Message of the Event
The La Jonquera Wellbeing Day powerfully conveyed that driver wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. Secure, service-rich facilities like OnTurtle are not mere stopping points but essential wellbeing hubs that integrate safety, hygiene, healthy food, rest, connectivity, and human connection.

By blending high-level discussions with tangible, driver-centered experiences — from haircuts and health advice to games and gratitude — the event bridged policy and practice. It underscored how small gestures and better infrastructure can combat isolation, fatigue, and stress, making the profession more attractive and roads safer for all.

As highlighted by speakers including Dirk Penasse (GM ESPORG) and local authorities like Rafael Medinilla, investing in drivers delivers benefits across the entire supply chain.

The European Wellbeing Initiative, supported by the European Commission and over 150 partners, continues to grow through events like this one. They turn awareness into action and commitments into real improvements.

OnTurtle La Jonquera showed what’s possible when care meets excellence.
Join the movement at — https://wellbeingcampaign.eu/ — because valuing those behind the wheel keeps Europe moving safely and sustainably.

16/06/2026

European Wellbeing Initiative Shines at ISSA International Symposium in Hamburg: Driving Health Forward for Truck Drivers Across Borders

On June 3, 2026, Hamburg became the hub for a landmark international symposium titled "Driving Health Forward: Healthcare for Truck Drivers Across Borders." Organized by the ISSA Section on Prevention in Transportation in close partnership with BG Verkehr, the event brought together experts, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe and beyond—both in person and online—to address the critical health, safety, and wellbeing challenges faced by the men and women who keep Europe's supply chains moving.

The European Wellbeing Initiative (powered by ESPORG) was proud to participate as a speaker, with Druselia Betea and Dirk Penasse delivering a compelling presentation on Elevating health and happiness in transportation. Their intervention highlighted practical, industry-driven solutions for improving driver wellbeing, including secure parking initiatives, health-supportive infrastructure, and holistic approaches that combine physical health, mental resilience, and better working conditions.

A Day Dedicated to Truck Driver Wellbeing

From the opening welcome by Janne Reini (ISSA Section) and Nadia Schilling (Generalsekretärin), the tone was set: truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, yet they face unique barriers—irregular schedules, limited healthcare access abroad, poor sanitary conditions, nutrition challenges, fatigue, and social isolation. The symposium explored these issues through diverse lenses:

- EU Social Security & Cross-Border Healthcare: Detailed sessions on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), DVKA certificates (A1 forms), coordination of benefits under EU Regulation 883/2004, and practical implementation for drivers operating in multiple countries.
- Nutrition, Fatigue & Accident Prevention: Expert insights from nutritionists and occupational health specialists on healthy eating on the road, sleep apnea screening, monotony-induced drowsiness, and the role of driver assistance systems.
- Sanitary Conditions & Daily Realities: Powerful presentations, including one by Stefan Weigand (Weigand Transporte), exposing unacceptable conditions at loading docks and rest areas, alongside calls for better infrastructure and dignity at work.
- Innovative Digital Solutions: Amelia Cantarero Garcia (CEO of Cristobal App, Spain) shared her inspiring journey developing a multilingual health app tailored for truckers—offering medical service locators, nutrition advice, mindfulness tools, sleep apnea self-tests, and community support to combat isolation.
- Women in Trucking, Retention & Broader Challenges: Spotlights on gender-specific needs, driver shortages, retention strategies, and the cumulative health burdens (obesity, cardiovascular risks, musculoskeletal issues, psychological strain).

The program featured rich discussions, Q&A sessions, and a final panel outlook, moderated by Florian Müller, fostering collaboration between employers, insurers, unions, researchers, and initiatives like the European Wellbeing Initiative.

European Wellbeing Initiative’s Contribution

Druselia Betea and Dirk Penasse’s session stood out for its forward-looking, solutions-oriented approach. They emphasized how initiatives like secure truck parking (ESPORG’s core mission), combined with health-focused programs, can elevate not just safety but overall happiness and retention in the sector. Their talk bridged infrastructure, policy, and human-centered design—showing how better rest areas, access to services, and community support reduce risks and make long-haul trucking a more sustainable career.

This aligned perfectly with the symposium’s spirit of international cooperation and practical prevention, reinforcing that wellbeing is not a “nice-to-have” but essential for road safety, operational continuity, and attracting the next generation of drivers.

Why This Matters: A Message for the Wellbeing Campaign Community

For visitors of the European Wellbeing Campaign, this event underscores a powerful truth: change happens through collaboration. Truck drivers’ health challenges—language barriers, fragmented healthcare systems, inadequate rest facilities, and cumulative stress—are borderless. Yet so are the solutions.

The ISSA symposium demonstrated real momentum:
- Recognition of human factors in 42% of accidents (Spanish Ministry data cited).
- Innovative tools like the Cristobal App.
- Strong calls for better sanitary standards, nutrition support, fatigue management, and EU-wide coordination.
- Emphasis on dignity, value, and support for drivers who often feel “no one cares.”

The European Wellbeing Initiative’s participation reinforces our commitment to these goals. By partnering with organizations like ISSA, BG Verkehr, and ESPORG, we are building bridges between policy, technology, industry, and on-the-ground realities.

Together, we can make long-haul trucking healthier, safer, and more fulfilling.

Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re a driver, fleet operator, policymaker, or advocate—your voice matters in driving health forward.

25/05/2026

🤝 150+ organisations are already standing with Europe's drivers.
And the number keeps growing.
Because more and more companies in the transport and logistics sector are realising the same thing: a driver who feels cared for drives safer, stays longer, and performs better.
This is what a movement looks like. 💙
Have you signed the Wellbeing Pledge yet?
🔗 wellbeingpledge.eu
🔗 ewellin.eu

24/05/2026

This Thursday, we're bringing the Wellbeing Campaign to La Jonquera, Spain.
At OnTurtle's truck stop — one of the busiest crossing points in southern Europe — we'll be meeting drivers face to face. Not through a screen. Not through a report. In the place where their working day actually happens. 🚛
Because that's where wellbeing has to be real: in the parking bay, in the rest area, in the five minutes between one run and the next. ⏱️
We'll be sharing information, listening, and connecting with the people who keep goods moving across the continent. 🤝 If you're passing through La Jonquera on May 29th — come find us.
https://wellbeingcampaign.eu/event/wellbeing-days-at-onturtle-spain-la-jonquera/
🌍 Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Live Well.

23/05/2026

5 minutes. That's all it takes. 💪
Between runs, at a rest stop, waiting for loading — 5 minutes of movement can change the entire feel of your day. 🙌
Truck driving is one of the most physically demanding jobs in Europe. Hours behind the wheel, limited movement, constant tension in the back, neck, and shoulders. Over time, it adds up. 😓
That's why small habits matter. A short walk. A few stretches. Movement that tells your body: I'm taking care of you. ❤️
At Ewellin, we believe driver wellbeing isn't built in big gestures. It's built in the small, daily choices that keep you healthy, focused, and ready for the road ahead. 🚛
Stretch it out. You've earned it. 💪
🔗 ewellin.eu