In a written answer on 10 July 2026, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Ms Roswall, ruled out proposing specific EU rules or guidelines on noise from wind farms, including low-frequency noise and infrasound, leaving the protection of affected residents to member states. The answer, addressed to MEP Zala Tomašič (PPE), reiterates that the Environmental Noise Directive (END) remains the main EU instrument for noise pollution but focuses on traffic and industrial noise, not wind turbines. The Commission notes that wind farm projects may be subject to Environmental Impact Assessments, where noise must be assessed, but no harmonised EU methodology for low-frequency noise or infrasound is planned. Roswall cited the 2018 World Health Organization guidelines, which conditionally recommend keeping audible wind turbine noise below 45 dB but did not set specific limits for infrasound due to insufficient evidence. The answer confirms that it is primarily the responsibility of member states to define and enforce noise requirements for wind turbines, taking into account local circumstances and WHO thresholds. This leaves a regulatory gap at EU level, with no minimum protection standards, mandatory acoustic studies, or precautionary siting guidelines forthcoming. The Commission did not commit to updating the END to cover wind farm noise or cumulative effects, despite acknowledging technological developments. The answer signals a continued reliance on national measures rather than EU harmonisation, impacting residents near wind farms, member state authorities, wind energy developers, and public health advocates.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byZala Tomašič (PPE)