EU should be more vocal on noise pollution, local and regional leaders say

Regions and cities are urging the European Commission to treat noise pollution as a core public health and environmental issue that also has a negative impact on productivity and the EU's competitiveness.

In an opinion adopted on 7 May, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) argues that the Commission should consider revising the Environmental Noise Directive, introducing ambitious noise reduction requirements at EU level and aligning the noise exposure reporting thresholds with those recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The aim of the proposals is to reach a target set out in the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan of reducing the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030,

The opinion on EU sound policies, which was drafted by Marieke Schouten (NL/Greens+Progressives), Alderman of the Municipality of Nieuwegein, regrets that existing noise mapping and action planning under the Environmental Noise Directive have delivered little real progress in reducing noise in our living environment. Moreover, noise exposure disproportionately affects urban populations and often socially and economically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

Night-time sleep disturbances and chronic noise contribute to serious negative health outcomes, including premature deaths and loss of healthy living years, making noise pollution a serious social, economic and health issue.

Cities and regions underscored that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends significantly stricter noise exposure limits than those currently applied in the EU. The CoR regretted the absence of clear, enforceable EU targets and noted the limited help that local and regional authorities receive from the EU level to implement stronger noise-protection measures.

Regions and cities are asking the European Commission to develop a long-term European strategic agenda, with realistic interim targets aligned with the Zero Pollution objectives, clear guidance for local and regional authorities, and dedicated funding for noise reduction.

The revision of the Environmental Noise Directive should also include provisions to ensure systematic monitoring and reduction of biodiversity impacts resulting from noise pollution, with particular attention to ecologically sensitive areas. Currently, 29% of Natura 2000 areas are affected by harmful transport noise, which disrupts wildlife behaviour, reproduction, and ecosystem functions.

While local and regional authorities play a crucial role in addressing noise pollution, given their responsibilities for spatial planning, housing, transport and the management of public spaces, the opinion points out the need to tackle noise pollution at all levels of government. Scaling down the number of night-time flights, reinforcing the regulation on quieter tyres, coordinating the development of noise cameras and sensors, and preventing deliberate noise-enhancing modifications for vehicles are among the recommendations for the EU and its Member States.

Quote:

RapporteurMarieke Schouten(NL/Greens and Progressives), Alderman of the Municipality of Nieuwegein: "Noise pollution remains one of Europe's most neglected public health and environmental failures. It harms citizens, deepens social inequalities and damages nature, while progress has stalled. The EU must step up: revise the Environmental Noise Directive, set clear EU-wide targets and align thresholds with WHO guidance. Local and regional authorities stand ready, but they need clear rules, political backing and dedicated funding."

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