Each Member State of the European Union must fully apply EU law. The body responsible for identifying possible violations of EU law is the European Commission.
Where a Member State does not apply EU law and breaches its obligations under the EU Treaties, the European Commission may open a formal infringement procedure under Articles 258 and 260 TFEU (see details on the infringement procedure here).
As mentioned in the “April infringements package: main decisions 19-4-2023”, the European Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece (INFR(2017)2150) for its failure to comply with EU rules on environmental noise (Directive 2002/49/EC). The Noise Directive defines a common approach intended to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects due to exposure to environmental noise. EU Member States must adopt noise maps and action plans and revise them on a periodic basis. Strategic noise mapping should be conducted in certain agglomerations and major roads, railways and airports. Action plans should address priorities in those areas of interest and should be drawn up by the competent authorities in consultation with the public.
Greece has not adopted or reviewed several noise maps and action plans for various agglomerations and roads. Additionally, some adopted maps and plans do not meet the minimum requirements set by the Directive and have been adopted without the public having been properly consulted. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Greece in December 2017, followed by an additional letter of formal notice in October 2020. Since then, all the grievances remain except in relation to the Athens International Airport. Therefore, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Information about this procedure and the European Commission’s decisions on the infringement in question can be found on the European Commission’s website by entering INFR(2017)2150 in the “Infringement number” field.
The application of EU law is an obligation of the Member States of the European Union. If infringements of EU law are identified, the European Commission may take a series of actions against the Member State concerned to ensure the correct and full application of EU law by opening infringement proceedings under Articles 258 and 260 TFEU.
In April 2023 the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece for non-compliance with EU rules on environmental noise, calling on it to adopt strategic noise maps and action plans.
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