Strasbourg, 05/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - During its plenary session in Strasbourg, an overwhelming majority at the European Parliament (478 for, 36 against) adopted the report by Hans Blokland (EDD, Netherlands) on the proposal of directive aimed at establishing a Community framework for noise classification of civil subsonic aircraft for the purposes of calculating noise charges. Charges levied will make it possible to finance necessary measures to remedy noise pollution caused by some aircraft (such as the relocation of runways or of residential areas).
The Commission proposal aims to introduce a harmonised framework within the EU in order to promote the use of less noisy aircraft. This framework will be applied as of 1 January 2006 to all existing charge systems for noise on EU territory. However, at the present time, only Member States are empowered to decide on whether to set in place, or not, a system of charging levies on noise emissions on their territory. With the adoption of the report, MEPs decided it was necessary to differentiate between the charges made depending on the time of year, with sound emissions being more of a nuisance at night than during the day. Other major amendments adopted are: (1) introduction of a compulsory charge on noise in all airports (while the Commission proposal dispenses some airports) in order to avoid all competition distortion; (2) a system of charges proportional to the noise of aircraft so that the noisiest aircraft pay the most for creating a highest level of noise pollution. MEPs deferred until 1 January 2004 (instead of 1 January 2003) the application of the principles of the Community framework in the case of introducing a new charge system and entrusted the Commission with adopting, when handing in its assessment report on 1 January 2008, the methods for measuring noise in order to best reflect the noise pollution caused to those living near airport infrastructures. Finally, the plenary adopted several amendments of the EPP/ED and PES that will allow the existing charge systems to be maintained in so far as they are more advanced than the system proposed.
Parliament therefore followed Mr Blokland, its rapporteur, who had requested during the debate that "all competition distortion should be avoided", allowing certain airports to enjoy a special regime. Thus, Belgian national Paul Lannoye requested on behalf of the Greens/EFA that a charge system be set in place that is proportionate to the noise pollution caused. Opposition to such a principle was voiced by Dutch national Herman Vermeer, in particular, speaking on behalf of the ELDR. On the other hand, the Parliament did not follow Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, who had pointed out that the Commission could not accept amendments making noise charges compulsory for all airports and allowing Member States having set in place a more advanced system to keep their system in place. On the second point, Ms de Palacio pointed out that "these amendments are contrary to the objectives of harmonisation set out in the proposal".