The EU Commission wants to relax methane regulations for exporters

In view of escalating energy prices, the European Commission wants to initially relax a climate protection measure for the greenhouse gas methane. “We will allow exporters flexibility with regard to methane for another year,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. “This saves additional costs in times of crisis.”

Last week, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said his staff had been instructed to consider a corresponding postponement.

Methane is produced, among other things, in the oil and gas industry

Methane is a greenhouse gas and is responsible for global warming and air pollution. It arises, for example, in agriculture, in landfills and in the oil and gas industry. Since 2024, rules have been in force in the EU that are intended to ensure fewer methane emissions from the energy sector.

From January 1, 2027, for certain supply contracts, companies will also have to prove that the producer in the country of origin monitors and documents its methane emissions at least as carefully as the EU requires of their own companies. According to the Commission's wishes, these regulations should now be postponed. The authority still has to officially propose this and the EU countries and the European Parliament agree.

Further measures

In addition to high prices, security of supply is also considered a reason for a possible easing. Back in July, following pressure from the US gas lobby, the Commission recommended that member states not impose penalties on companies that violate certain EU climate protection regulations for methane emissions in the next three years.

In order to reduce energy costs and ensure that the necessary supplies are available for defense, the Commission is also seeking discussions about European refineries, said von der Leyen. The top politician continued that a new so-called task force should pool the energy demand of the member states. A provider should then be commissioned to organize the procurement for everyone together. With regard to the high energy prices, she also told the member states that the right approach was to help those most in need.