Written question – Aircraft noise around Schiphol – P-002158/2025

Priority question for written answer  P-002158/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dirk Gotink (PPE)

With a view to reducing aircraft noise around Schiphol, the Netherlands has followed the ‘balanced approach’ procedure. In view of this:

• 1.Does the Commission agree that setting spatial, environmental and noise limits on the operation of national airports is a responsibility of the Member States, one which requires them to carefully balance economic and environmental interests?
• 2.Does the Commission agree that the sole purpose of the mandatory European ‘balanced approach’ procedure when it comes to noise-related operating restrictions is to ensure that national assessments are carried out with the requisite due diligence, in particular to properly substantiate the inevitability or added value of a proposed operating restriction in the light of a noise-related target determined at national level?
• 3.Does the Commission consider that the Dutch Government has carefully followed the ‘balanced approach’ procedure with regard to Schiphol Airport, and does it also take the view that the Dutch Government has therefore adopted a balanced package of measures to reduce noise levels for people and homes by 20 %?

Submitted: 28.5.2025