Turning Down the Noise of Urban Pollution

Targeted urban planning is essential to create quieter, healthier spaces.

Many of Europe’s cities pulse with life. Beneath their vibrance lies a hidden environmental and health threat: noise pollution. The European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) Special Report from February 2025 reveals that urban pollution, encompassing air and noise, claims over 250,000 lives annually across Europe. Despite this, noise pollution receives far less attention than air pollution, even though over 20% of EU citizens exposed to harmful traffic noise levels.

The state of European urban pollution

The ECA’s report paints a mixed picture of urban pollution in the EU based on three selected cities. The report assessed air quality in Athens, Barcelona, and Kraków, finding that although it has improved, it still falls short of EU standards or has only recently met them. Air pollution remains a significant health risk, as it is linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, noise pollution is equally concerning but inadequately addressed. The report highlights the absence of specific EU noise reduction targets and inconsistent noise mapping by Member States, which obscures the extent of citizens’ exposure and weakens mitigation efforts.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that environmental noise, particularly from road traffic, is responsible for approximately 16,600 premature deaths each year in Europe. The Commission and the EEA note that the EU’s goal to reduce the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030 is unlikely to be met, with projections suggesting a mere 19% reduction at best, or even a 3% increase in the worst-case scenario.

Why does noise pollution linger in the shadows of environmental policy? Unlike air pollution, which has clear targets under the Ambient Air Quality Directives, noise pollution lacks specific EU-wide reduction goals. The Environmental Noise Directive requires noise mapping and action plans, but their implementation varies significantly across Member States. This inconsistency, as noted by the ECA, results in patchy data and ineffective strategies, leaving millions vulnerable to the harmful effects of noise.

The health consequences are undeniable. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 55 decibels, which is common in urban areas, can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. In Paris, for instance, the social cost of noise in the Île-de-France region is estimated at €42.6 billion annually. Yet, public and policy focus remains skewed toward visible pollutants, leaving noise as an insidious, under-attended threat.

Policy gaps and the path forward

The ECA report highlights that EU policies like the European Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan aim to curb pollution’s health effects, yet noise-specific measures are lacking. Between 2014 and 2027, €231.9 billion in EU funds will support environmental objectives; however, the report suggests that these resources are underutilised for noise mitigation. Without clear targets, cities struggle to prioritise noise reduction amidst competing demands.

The Urban Agenda for the EU and Green City Accord offer promising frameworks. The Urban Agenda fosters collaboration on urban challenges, including greening cities, while the Green City Accord commits over 100 signatory cities to address air, water, biodiversity, waste, and noise. For example, Utrecht, a signatory, works to ensure urban densification doesn’t increase noise levels. However, these initiatives need stronger EU backing, including specific noise reduction targets and enhanced funding allocation.

Without clear targets, cities struggle to prioritise noise reduction amidst competing demands.

As the EU races toward its 2030 climate goals, noise pollution must no longer be sidelined. The ECA’s Special Report is a call to address this silent threat. Establishing specific noise reduction targets, improving noise mapping consistency, and leveraging initiatives like the Green City Accord are critical steps. The EU can create urban environments that nurture well-being and sustainability by prioritising noise reduction alongside air quality improvements. It’s time to turn up the volume on noise pollution and ensure Europe’s cities are cleaner but also calmer places to live.