13 October 2026 22:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Read original source ↗ · Email X Link

European Commission Proposes One-Year Delay for Methane Rules

Key points

The European Commission proposes a one-year delay for specific methane import provisions to alleviate industry pressure.
The measure aims to maintain energy security during high global energy prices and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

TL;DR

The European Commission proposes postponing specific methane regulation provisions for importers by one year.
The amendment targets monitoring, reporting, verification obligations, and methane-intensity requirements.
The proposal aims to ease pressure on European industry and secure energy supplies amid global market strains.
The amendment requires approval from the European Parliament and Council.
Dan Jørgensen states that the proposal provides necessary flexibility during a challenging winter for energy prices.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Commission proposes flexibility to methane importers to help save costs Brussels, 14 October 2026 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. Next steps 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. The Commission will continue to work hand in hand with the Member States and the sector on the full implementation of the Regulation, including on recognising compliance solutions in line with our Recommendation on Compliance solutions and on penalties, adopted in July. It will also continue to closely engage with stakeholders to monitor any specific signs on security of supply impacts linked to the implementation of the rules. Background Methane is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after CO2. Abating methane is therefore one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce global warming and has great energy savings benefits. The EU Methane Regulation , adopted in 2024, is the world's first comprehensive legislation that also regulates methane emissions related to imports of oil, gas and coal and introduces progressive requirements to increase transparency. It covers domestic production, transportation, and processing as well as imports, and it makes the EU a frontrunner reducing emissions. In July 2026, the Commission issued two Recommendations to provide legally sound solutions to industry concerns, on compliance solutions and on penalties. On 12 October, the Commission launched a call for feedback concerning the adoption of an Implementing Act with reporting templates for EU reporting of oil, gas and coal methane emissions. For more information Targeted amendment Questions and Answers Methane emissions - European Commission Call for feedback on reporting templates IP/26/2119 Quote(s): "Europe’s ambition in the fight against climate change remains unflinching. But as we approach a difficult winter in terms of energy prices, we need to be flexible and pragmatic in the implementation of our rules. The priority now is to shield European citizens from the price volatility we are facing, and avoid any potential additional risk to energy supplies at a time of global constraints." Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing - 14/10/2026 <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Anna-Kaisa ITKONEN (+32 2 295 75 01) Cristiana MARCHITELLI (+32 2 298 94 07) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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