The EC is taking a step back regarding methane. "A very late reaction"

Warsaw among the initiators of the appeal for postponement

A day before the EU summit, at which leaders are to discuss, among others, about rising energy prices, the European Commission proposed a one-year postponement of the entry into force of methane regulations. Warsaw has been warning for months that they could threaten the security of supplies. She sought a three-year transition period.

Warsaw was one of the initiators of the June appeal by 17 member states to postpone the application of some of the regulations. She was concerned that foreign suppliers who would not be able to meet EU requirements for monitoring and reporting methane emissions might refrain from selling raw materials to Europe. This could reduce gas availability and increase pressure on prices.

The regulations were to enter into force on January 1, 2027. The United States, the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to Europe, and Qatar also pushed for the change. French President Emmanuel Macron also sought a postponement, who in a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, appealed for the entry into force of the regulations to be postponed by one year. He warned of legal risks for importers and threats to security of supply.

There is no question of giving up climate goals

Already at the end of September, the Brussels correspondent of RMF FM informed that the EC would give way on the methane issue. Now, under the proposed change, importers would have until May 31, 2029 to document that their 2028 gas, oil and coal shipments met methane emissions monitoring and reporting requirements.