The member states' permanent representatives in Brussels endorsed today (29.1.2014) a compromise reached between the Council and the European Parliament concerning a regulation which harmonises and strengthens rules on how authorities take decisions to set operating restrictions at EU airports to limit nuisance from aircraft noise.

The rules are based on principles agreed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), known as Balanced Approach to noise management. They are designed to identify the most cost-efficient way of tackling aircraft noise at each individual airport, with operating restrictions being a last resort option only.

The Greek Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrisochoidis, said:

"Noise is a significant issue for the people living in the vicinity of airports and it is therefore important that an early agreement was reached on this sensitive file. Europe will now have better and more harmonised rules concerning the decision making process on noise-restriction measures. The Greek Presidency continues its systematic work for the best possible progress of files in favour of the European citizens”.

Read more on the Council's website:

- Council And EP agree on updated rules for the introduction of noise-related operating restrictionsat EU airports [PDF]