Brussels, 29 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union is considering delaying key EU methane rules for fossil-fuel imports by one year, as governments push Brussels to ease requirements amid higher energy prices and concerns over security of supply. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has said the European Commission is examining moving requirements scheduled for 1 January 2027 to 2028.
EU considers delaying methane requirements until 2028
The rules would require importers to demonstrate that crude oil, natural gas and coal entering the EU were produced under methane monitoring, reporting and verification standards equivalent to EU requirements, or qualifying standards for oil and gas.
The Commission’s current timetable sets that obligation for 1 January 2027. Methane-intensity reporting follows from 5 August 2028, while a methane-intensity requirement is scheduled from 5 August 2030.
The Commission has not formally changed those dates. Any postponement would therefore require action at EU level.
Energy security concerns increase pressure for delay
The debate has intensified during renewed disruption in global energy markets. France and more than a dozen other EU countries have backed postponement or greater flexibility, while the United States — Europe’s largest LNG supplier — has also raised concerns about the rules.
European gas storage is also under pressure. Storage levels were around 70% in late September, roughly 12 percentage points below the same period in 2025, while about 80% of EU gas consumption is supplied through imports.
Commission says supply conditions remain under review
European Commission energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed on 22 September that Brussels had received a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron seeking greater flexibility.
“We have closely monitored both the security of supply issue as well as prices,” Itkonen said during the Commission’s midday briefing. She added that the monitoring included consideration of “potential scenarios”.
The comments came as the Commission assessed whether additional measures were necessary in response to rapidly changing energy-market conditions.
Jørgensen says climate ambition remains unchanged
Jørgensen has stressed that a postponement would provide additional preparation time rather than dismantle the regulation.
“We are not backtracking on our ambitions,” the Energy Commissioner said, maintaining that reducing methane remains central to the EU’s climate strategy.
The EU methane rules, adopted under Regulation (EU) 2024/1787, are described by the Commission as the world’s first legislation regulating methane emissions associated with fossil-fuel imports. Importers have already faced reporting requirements since May 2025.
Delay would give suppliers more preparation time
A one-year postponement would give European importers and overseas suppliers additional time to establish monitoring and verification systems and adapt contracts.
The Commission had already adopted recommendations in July 2026 intended to provide greater clarity on contractual provisions and penalties while preserving security of supply.
What happens next?
The Commission must determine whether to formally propose changing the January 2027 deadline and specify the length and scope of any postponement.
Until a legislative amendment is approved, the existing timetable remains in place. A delay would have to proceed through the EU legislative process, involving the European Parliament and member states in the Council.
