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.

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