Belgium – Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis – Support assignment for implementation of the 'Balanced Approach' procedure for Brussels-National Airport

Opportunity description

Brussels-National Airport (Brussels Airport) is an important economic gateway and employment hub, with undeniable benefits for both Flanders and the other regions. However, due to its specific location close to a great deal of residential development, the airport currently causes serious noise nuisance and sleep disturbance. Flanders faces the important challenge of finding a good balance between, on the one hand, this economic importance of an international airport and, on the other hand, the quality of the living environment around this airport. As provided for in the environmental permit of 29 March 2024 for Brussels-National Airport, the 'Balanced Approach' is being rolled out. This procedure is based on European Regulation (EU) 598/2014 and includes a careful assessment of the most cost-effective combination of measures within four pillars of noise control: • Measures at the source of the noise; • Spatial planning measures; • Procedural measures; • Operating restrictions. The aim is to support a balance between the economic importance of the airport and the quality of the living environment around the airport. The EU regulation provides that operating restrictions may only be applied after the other measures of the Balanced Approach have been considered. The measures must also be introduced based on their cost-effectiveness. The Balanced Approach also stipulates that all stakeholders must be involved in the process, so that all interests can be weighed and a balanced package of measures can be reached. The aim is to guide the Balanced Approach procedure for Brussels-National Airport in a transparent and efficient manner, with the active involvement of all stakeholders, resulting in the most cost-effective package of measures to reduce noise nuisance and its successful notification and implementation. Process guidance, mediation and stakeholder management are essential when going through the Balanced Approach procedure in order to find a balance between the economic interests of the airport and the quality of the living environment of the surrounding area. This is a complex process that requires careful consideration of different interests. This second lot of the assignment aims to carry out the technical studies that form part of the 'Balanced Approach' procedure for BN Airport. This means that the noise impact and cost-effectiveness of possible measures must be determined in order to arrive at the most cost-effective combination of measures to achieve the proposed noise objectives. In addition, the preparation of the EIA is also provided for. Given that ‘measures’ or a ‘package of measures’ can be regarded as a plan or programme, and given the relationship between the 'Balanced Approach' and the environmental permit for operating the airport, the preparation of the EIA is proposed. This EIA will be prepared in accordance with the generic procedure in the DABM Procedure: open. Review the original TED notice for the complete requirement, lots, amendments and attachments.