In this paper some aspects of the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC (END) state of implementation in EU countries are presented with special regard to public information and participation in action plans and to the experiences of participatory approaches to planning and design of solutions for noise mitigation. The results of public and stakeholders involvement are shown in case studies implemented in Italy and in other EU countries, in pilot areas of EU funded projects, regarding END implementation issues. The review includes examples of participatory design derived by strategic noise mapping and action plans implementation for agglomerations and infrastructures of transport. The International Noise Awareness campaigns are considered as a very important event for public information and participation.