1. Implementation of the
EU Environmental Noise Directive
(Has Europe become quieter or noisier?!)
Open Day, Barcelona, 20 September 2011
Balazs Gergely
European Commission
DG Environment
Introduction
Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC):
Determine exposure to environmental noise
strategic noise mapping;
Manage environmental noise
action plans;
Basis to develop Community measures to reduce
noise at source
Inform the public on exposure and effects
NOISE (http://noise.eionet.europa.eu/)
EIONET (http://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/)
EUROPA (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/home.htm)

2. Implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC
1st round
2nd round
Where are we after 10 years?
• progress in mapping and assessing noise pollution in the EU
• overview on the extent of noise pollution problems
• improving comparability of strategic noise mapping including
common indicators
• establishment of a comprehensive set of noise data at EU
level
• EU-wide drafting of noise action plans addressing the noise
"hot spots" identified by the Member States
• Identifying gaps with regard to EU legislation on sources of
noise (e.g. vehicles, railways, aircrafts)
BUT, full potential of directive not exploited – effectiveness
can still be increased

3. Implementation Report of Directive 2002/49/EC
Within agglomerations
Source: EEA
Implementation Report
(COM(2011) 321 of 1 June 2011)

4. Implementation Report of Directive 2002/49/EC
Overview of current implementation
legal transposition and administrative arrangements largely in
place – coordination between different authorities can be improved
noise mapping brought improvements to situation before but still
comparability needs to be improved – interim method has not
worked -> development of CNOSSOS (harmonised methodology)
national limit and indicator values vary significantly across MS –
concepts, basis (only based on WHO), binding nature
link between noise levels (exceedance of national limits) and
action plans often not stringent – enforcement / penalties lacking
protection of quite areas very diverse across MS
Implementation Report of Directive 2002/49/EC
Review and follow up actions
Improving implementation
Strengthening EU legislation at source
Elements for improvements for possible revision

5. Implementation Report of Directive 2002/49/EC
Improving implementation
Work Programme 2011-15
COM (DG ENV, JRC), EEA, Member States (open for other actors)
To improve implementation
To plan, coordinate and agree on joint activities
Proposed content
Finalising the harmonised framework for mapping methods
Developing EU implementation guidance
Improving synergies between air quality and noise management
Facilitating reporting issues (reportnet)
Strengthening source legislation
EC report (COM (2004)160) concerning existing Community
measures relating to sources of environmental noise
White Paper Transport (2011)
Road traffic noise (DG ENTR)
Noise from outdoor equipments (DG ENTR)
Aircraft noise (DG MOVE)
Operating restrictions at Community airports - Directive 2002/30/EC
Railway noise (DG MOVE)

6. Implementation Report of Directive 2002/49/EC
Possible revision
Issues for further consideration
Trigger, target or recommended values
Lowering noise indicators (reporting bands)
Improving enforcment (ie. action planning)
Technical definitions, clarifications
Administrative burden, aligning legal aspects
The COM invites the MS to comment on the Report by 20 July (follow up),
in particular on the issues listed above
Online consultation (second half of 2011)
Based on the comments and following discussions with MS and
stakeholders COM will decide on the appropriate timing and ambition
level of the revision
Outlook
Report on the implementation of the END (2011)
CNOSSOS-EU (end of 2011 and beyond)
Review of the END – subject to decision of the
Commission after consultation
Second round of mapping, action planning (2012)

7. Thank you for your attention!
More information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/home.htm