Noise

Further to its 1996 Green Paper (COM(96)540), the European Commission developed a new framework for noise policy, based on shared responsibility between the EU, national and local level, and including measures to improve the accuracy and standardisation of data to help improve the coherency of different actions. This document lead to a comprehensive set of measures, including:

1. The creation of a Noise Expert Network, whose mission is to assist the Commission in the development of its noise policy.
2. The Directive on Environmental Noise aimed at requiring competent authorities in Member States to produce strategic noise maps on the basis of harmonised indicators, to inform the public about noise exposure and its effects, and to draw up action plans to address noise issues.
3. The follow-up and development of existing EU legislation relating to sources of noise, such as motor vehicles, aircraft, railway rolling stock and the provision of financial support to different noise related studies and research projects.