Commission proposes one-year delay to EU methane rules

The European Commission has proposed delaying by one year methane compliance duties for fossil-f fuel importers, with the change still requiring approval by the European Parliament and EU governments. Under the proposal, importers would have until May 31, 2029, to show that fossil fuels brought into the European Union during 2028 met standards equivalent to EU requirements for monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions. The rules were due to begin applying to importers on January 1, 2027. The Commission says the additional time would ease pressure on businesses and public administrations and reduce potential risks to energy supplies amid high prices and market uncertainty. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the EU’s climate ambition remained unchanged, while arguing for flexibility in implementing the rules. The proposal concerns requirements under the EU Methane Regulation, adopted in 2024. The regulation covers methane emissions associated with energy production and transport, including imported fuels.