European Commission proposes one-year delay to some methane import obligations

The European Commission has proposed postponing some methane emissions obligations for oil, gas and coal imports by one year. It cited energy supply risks and high prices as reasons for the change.

Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told an October 14 briefing that the EU currently has no energy supply reliability problems. However, she said high prices and an unpredictable international environment were complicating preparations for winter.

The delay concerns selected monitoring, reporting and verification obligations for fossil fuel supplies from outside the EU. Itkonen said importers must be ready to meet the relevant requirements by January 2028.

The Commission rejected suggestions that the initiative abandoned methane reductions or gave companies permission to ignore the regulation. Itkonen said it changes the timetable for certain obligations rather than the environmental objective.

The proposed amendments to the regulation now go to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration.