EU Methane Regulation under threat as Commission bows to fossil fuel industry pressure

The European Commission’s proposal to delay key requirements of the EU Methane Regulation threatens to undermine landmark climate legislation and opening the door to further weakening warns the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

The proposal follows sustained pressure from the fossil fuel industry and the US administration.

Adopted in 2024, the Regulation aims to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector, including those associated with fossil fuels imported into the EU. Most methane emissions linked to the EU’s fossil fuel consumption happen before the fuels reach its borders. Delaying the import requirements means putting action on the biggest share of those emissions on hold.

EIA is calling on EU policymakers to:

• Protect the Regulation’s ambition. The Commission’s proposal already goes beyond a one-year delay for MRV equivalence reporting and extends the postponement to methane intensity requirements. Significant flexibility has already been provided, including a three-year suspension of penalties. The priority must now be implementation, not further concessions.
• Prevent further weakening during negotiations. Member States and the European Parliament must ensure a controlled and expedited legislative process, avoiding additional delays or weakening of the rules in response to industry lobbying.
• Accelerate implementation. Member States and the Commission must take responsibility for resolving technical challenges, including verification, accreditation and certification, and ensuring competent authorities are fully operational. The Commission should support consistent implementation by adopting the missing delegated acts and through guidance and coordination, while industry must use the additional time to prepare for compliance.

EIA Climate Campaigner, Jack Corscadden said: “There is no demonstrable link between the implementation of the EU methane rules and the current energy supply challenges. After a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires, the Commission is failing European citizens by delaying this vital piece of climate legislation to appease fossil fuel producers and exporters.

This delay will not overcome the implementation challenges that exist and risks opening a pandora’s box of industry lobbying. As we work towards the phase out of fossil fuels, a stable regulatory framework is needed to drive down methane emissions and safeguard EU energy security.”

EIA Senior Lawyer, Tim Grabiel said: “The European Commission once again fell victim to scare tactics and foreign pressure, proposing a delay for a problem that doesn’t exist. Oil and gas interests smell blood and, with the help of regressive Member States, are circling this landmark legislation with intent to maim or kill through dither and delay. The burden now falls to the European Parliament and a handful of brave Members States to hold the line and save the EU Methane Regulation.”