Ewellin - European Wellbeing Initiative

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.

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.

🤝 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

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.

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

Most drivers park where they can. Not where they should. 🚛
After hundreds of kilometers on the road — long hours, tight schedules, pressure from every direction — the last thing a professional driver needs is to settle for an unsafe, poorly lit parking spot just because it's the only option nearby.
And yet, that's exactly what happens. Every night, across Europe.
Nobody talks about it. It's just accepted as part of the job. You finish your run, you find a spot, you make do. Maybe you sleep well, maybe you don't. Maybe you feel safe, maybe you don't. Either way, you're back on the road tomorrow.
But "making do" has a cost. It shows up in fatigue. In stress. In the slow erosion of the dignity that every professional deserves at the end of a hard day's work.
EU-standard secure parking changes that equation. Guarded access. CCTV. Secure fencing. Clean, comfortable facilities. A real place to stop, recover, and start tomorrow right — without compromising your safety or your cargo.
You don't have to settle. You never did.
Professional drivers keep Europe moving. It's time their rest stops reflected that.

The transport industry talks a lot about efficiency.
It doesn't talk nearly enough about the people making it possible. 💚
Professional drivers keep Europe running — yet most face chronic health challenges, isolation, and stress that go unaddressed. Every single day.
Ewellin exists because that needs to change.
We are a movement of 150+ organisations putting and — because a sector that doesn't take care of its people won't have people to take care of.
👉 ewellin.eu
Hashtags:
Alt hook: Trucks get serviced. Drivers — not always.

Today the European Wellbeing Initiative powered by ESPORG vzw had the honour to participate in the full-day ELA Information Seminar for Road Transport Operators in Croatia, organised by the European Labour Authority (ELA) in collaboration with the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

Driver wellbeing was the true red thread running through every session. When professional drivers can rest safely, comfortably and with dignity, the entire sector benefits: fewer fatigue-related accidents, better compliance with rules, improved work-life balance, and a more attractive profession that helps tackle the growing driver shortage.

Together with Dirk Penasse (General Manager, ESPORG vzw) and Druselia Betea (Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative), we presented how certified **Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPA)** serve as genuine “homes away from home”. Quality rest is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing. It reduces chronic fatigue, supports mental health, and makes long-haul driving sustainable for drivers — including more women and younger generations.

Under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012, SSPAs are certified across four levels (Bronze to Platinum) with clear EU standards for 24/7 security, hygiene, comfort services and inclusive facilities. These standards directly enable compliance with Mobility Package I driving and rest time rules — turning legal obligations into real daily practice while prioritising driver wellbeing.

The afternoon Safe Parking Network Panel, expertly moderated by Caroline Meumann, delivered rich and honest dialogue. Key messages that resonated strongly:

- Secure parking is not a luxury but a precondition for wellbeing, road safety and Mobility Package implementation.
- Europe faces a serious gap: only around 5,000 certified SSPAs out of ~380,000 truck parking spaces.
- Many drivers are unaware of existing facilities or hesitant to use them — better information, awareness campaigns and a mindset shift are urgently needed.

Excellent contributions from Ana de Miranda (DG MOVE), Christina Tilling (ETF), Mateusz Urasiński (IRU), Franc Hajdinjak and other Croatian Ministry experts showed real alignment: we need joint action on financing, digitalisation, data sharing and stronger cooperation — always with **driver wellbeing at the core**.

Our sincere thanks to the entire ELA team: Roberta Kurti Vuković, Caroline M., Tonio Boer and Ivan Mekinda.
Special thanks to the Croatian Ministry speakers: Damir Damjanović, Antun Došen, Mario Pehar and Franc Hajdinjak.

Warm thanks also to all participants, Croatian trade unions and INA Ježevo Parking for the excellent hosting.

At the European Wellbeing Initiative we leave Zagreb even more motivated: putting driver wellbeing first through high-quality secure parking is one of the most impactful investments we can make for safer, fairer and more sustainable road transport in Europe.

🚛 Are you on the A3 in Croatia? Stop at INA Ježevo — we're HERE RIGHT NOW and we're waiting for you!
We've just arrived at INA Ježevo Secure Parking Lot and everything is ready for you.
Food, coffee, and people who actually want to talk to you about your rights, your health, and what's being done for driver wellbeing across Europe.
Together with the European Labour Authority (ELA) we have materials prepared just for you — practical information, answers to your questions, and a team that genuinely listens.
No registration. No formalities. Just pull in and come inside.
📍 INA Ježevo Secure Parking Lot — A3 Highway, Croatia
📅 Today — 19 May 2026
The more drivers show up, the louder the message: drivers matter.
👉 https://wellbeingcampaign.eu/event/wellbeing-information-event-with-the-european-labour-authority-ela-croatia/

Wellbeing Days is coming to La Jonquera, Spain!
On Thursday, May 29, OnTurtle opens its doors for a full day dedicated to driver wellbeing — roundtables, expert speakers, the signing of the Wellbeing Pact, and activities designed for the people on the road. 🤝
Drivers — you are especially welcome. Stop by, join the conversation, and take part in something meaningful.
It's free. It's open. And it's for you.
📍 OnTurtle La Jonquera, Girona
📅 29 May 2026, starting at 9:00
🔗 Register here: https://wellbeingcampaign.eu/event/wellbeing-days-at-onturtle-spain-la-jonquera/