Commission proposes flexibility to methane importers to help save costs

Europe is preparing for a challenging winter with high energy prices. The strain on global energy markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East is putting pressure on energy markets in Europe. This is driving up energy prices and may cause reduced availability of gas and oil, hampering the EU's competitiveness and security of supply.

The European Commission has therefore adopted a proposal to postpone by one year the implementation of specific provisions of the EU Methane Regulation related to importers to alleviate the pressure on European industry and national administrations. The proposed targeted amendment concerns the monitoring, reporting and verification obligations for natural gas, oil and coal importers. It also concerns the provisions related to the reporting on methane-intensity requirements for both importers and Union producers.

This one-year postponement of the import-related provisions is designed to help avoid additional pressures on the security of supply of imported fossil fuels in the current geopolitical context.

The proposed amendment does not affect the ambition, integrity and scope of the Regulation, reaffirming the European Union's commitment to reduce methane emissions.

Crucially, the proposed one-year delay will allow extra time for importers to ensure full compliance with requirements of the Regulation in the very challenging current context of global energy markets.

The proposed targeted amendment will now be submitted to the European Parliament and Council for adoption. The Commission will constructively engage with both co-legislators to ensure that the legislative process for the present proposal is fully preserved. A timely agreement is essential to maintain regulatory certainty.