Europe's noisy cities raise concerns from EU auditors

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Court of Auditors (ECA) warns that EU policymakers are neglecting urban noise pollution, which poses severe health risks
• Unlike air quality, noise pollution lacks EU-wide reduction targets, leaving member states unmotivated to address it
• Over a fifth of EU citizens face harmful long-term noise exposure, primarily from road, rail, and air transport

🔭 The context: Urban air quality has improved due to strict EU pollution limits, but noise pollution remains poorly monitored
• The Environmental Noise Directive requires member states to provide data, yet 15 of 27 have failed to comply
• Cities like Paris are implementing local measures, though comprehensive EU action is lacking

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Noise pollution not only affects public health, causing stress and cardiovascular issues, but it also impairs children’s learning and behavior
• Addressing it aligns with broader sustainability goals, enhancing urban livability and well-being

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission aims to cut noise disturbance by 30% by 2030 but forecasts a modest 19% reduction or even a 3% rise
• The ECA urges legal noise reduction targets aligned with WHO guidelines by 2029 to incentivize member states

💬 One quote: “Unlike for air quality, there are no EU-wide noise reduction targets,” - Klaus-Heiner Lehne, ECA member

📈 One stat: Over 20% of EU citizens are exposed to harmful long-term noise, with 500,000 children facing reading difficulties due to transport noise

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