91998E1231

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1231/98

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Reduction of noise pollution in areas around airports

In its resolution A-0183/97(1), adopted on 10 June 1997, on the Commission Green Paper on future noise policy, the European Parliament calls on the Commission "to lay down and standardize obligatory standards for aviation to limit aircraft noise and noise levels in the areas around airports" (para. 29).

The Commission:

1. What measures or initiatives has it taken since then to follow up this request?

2. Does it consider that European obligatory standards to limit noise pollution are the only way to prevent certain regional airports from having a less strict noise pollution policy in order to strengthen their competitive position against the major airports?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(29 May 1998)

As a follow-up to its Green Paper on future noise policy(2) the Commission is establishing working groups responsible for the technical preparation of future policy in close cooperation with Member States experts. The outcome of this technical assessment should provide the Commission with the necessary elements for identifying the most appropriate initiatives in the areas referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission intends to issue a communication on Air Transport and the Environment by the end of the year. Environmental issues arising in and around airports will be among the matters dealt with in that document.

(1) OJ C 200, 30.6.1997, p. 28.

(2) COM(96) 540 final.