EU Parliament Proposes Longer Delay for Methane Regulation

The European Parliament voted on October 22, 2026, to delay certain requirements under the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR) by three years, extending the European Commission's proposed one-year postponement.

Methane is a major contributor to global warming caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, it also dissipates quickly, which means eliminating methane emissions can have a significant impact in the fight against global warming. The Methane Regulation was adopted in 2024 to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector, including those associated with EU imports of crude oil, natural gas and coal.

On October 13, 2026, the commission proposed a one-year delay on monitoring, reporting, and verification rules for importers to protect critical energy supplies in the face of a global energy crisis and to provide importers with extra time to ensure compliance with the regulation's requirements.

“Europe's ambition in the fight against climate change remains unflinching,” said Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen in a press release. “But as we approach a difficult winter in terms of energy prices, we need to be flexible and pragmatic in the implementation of our rules. The priority now is to shield European citizens from the price volatility we are facing, and avoid any potential additional risk to energy supplies at a time of global constraints.”

MEPs backed a three-year postponement rather than the commission's proposed one-year delay, handing a victory to industry groups and governments that had been lobbying for a longer delay.

The vote passed 341 to 225, with six abstentions. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's European People's Party (EPP) sided with right-wing parties, including Patriots for Europe, National Rally, and the German AfD, to secure the votes for the additional delay, while Renew Europe, the Socialists and Democrats, and the Greens opposed it.

Negotiations will now begin with the EU Council to determine the final details of the law.

Averting a Crisis

Prior to the commission's proposal, importers had warned that they might not be able to secure sufficient supplies for the EU market at a time when geopolitical turbulence is straining supplies.

Under parliament's proposal, importers of coal, crude oil, and natural gas would need to demonstrate by May 31, 2031, that supply contracts concluded or renewed since August 4, 2024, cover only fuel subject to monitoring, reporting, and verification measures equivalent to EU rules. EU producers and importers would also report the methane intensity of fossil fuels placed on the EU market by August 5, 2031, instead of August 5, 2029.

The revised timeline would not apply to energy imports from countries sanctioned by the EU.

A Real Crisis or More Than It Seems?

A June 22, 2026, analysis by Rystad Energy, commissioned by Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF Europe), found no evidence that the EUMR was contributing to Europe's energy price increases or supply pressures.

According to an earlier 2025 analysis, the EUMR could, in fact, strengthen EU energy security by improving transparency, eliminating wasteful processes, and reducing dependence on Russian energy supplies. The current study found that this analysis remains true even with the additional stress of the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“This analysis tested whether current geopolitical disruption significantly changes the feasibility of implementing the EU Methane Regulation,” said Rystad Energy Partner Andreas N. Skorpen in the press release. “We found no evidence that the regulation is driving current price increases or has caused material supply pressures. Instead, market impacts are primarily linked to broader geopolitical developments, while OGMP (Oil and Gas Methane Partnership) Level 5 supply is expected to be available at levels well above current European import requirements.”

The report also found that there are few trade diversion risks associated with the EUMR, as 55% of U.S. LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports are sold into Europe, which confirms the critical importance of EU demand for foreign exporters.

Director of EU Energy Policy at EDF Europe Dr. Léa Pilsner said that instead of weakening the EUMR, the EU should focus on pragmatic implementation by member states.

“Europe does not need to choose between energy security and methane accountability,” said Pilsner in the press release. “The evidence increasingly shows that both objectives can advance together.”