Source: European Parliament
1. On 4 September 2024, the Netherlands notified the Commission under Regulation (EU) No 598/2014[1] (the ‘Balanced Approach Regulation’) of its intention to introduce operating restrictions at Schiphol airport, including a movement cap within the range of 475 000 to 485 000. The Netherlands on 6 December 2024 supplemented their notification with the precise movement cap i.e. 478 000.
2. Under the Balanced Approach Regulation, noise-related operating restrictions must be notified to the Commission and stakeholders with a specific minimum notice before they enter into effect. It has always been open to the Dutch authorities to propose a movement cap outside the range notified on 4 September 2024. However, such a change might have to be considered as a new notification, thereby impacting the timing of its implementation.
3. The possible disclosure of documents held by the Commission to the public at large is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001[2] which aims to give the fullest possible effect to the right of public access to documents, while also containing certain exceptions related to the protection of a public or private interest, which may apply in this case. The Commission also informs the Honourable Member that a decision was adopted on 5 March 2025, assessing the Netherlands’ plan to introduce measures at Schiphol Airport reducing noise for local residents[3]. The documents are available on the Europa website[4].
- [1] OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 65.
- [2] OJ L 145, 31.05.2001, p.43.
- [3] C(2025) 1355 final.
- [4] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/commission-adopts-decision-schiphol-airport-noise-reduction-plan-2025-03-05_en#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20Commission%20adopted%20a%20decision%20assessing%20the,at%20Schiphol%20Airport%20reducing%20noise%20for%20local%20residents