EU Grants One-Year Delay for Methane Regulation on Fossil Fuel Imports

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a one-year delay for exporters to comply with the EU's methane regulation. The decision follows pressure from the Czech Republic and 19 other member states, including Germany, who sought more time to prepare. The Czech Republic had initially pushed for a three-year delay, while France proposed a one-year extension. The delay applies to the part of the regulation concerning imports of fossil fuels, which was set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need for flexibility, noting that energy conditions vary significantly across EU member states. She highlighted that electricity prices range from 70 euros to 145 euros per megawatt-hour, depending on the energy mix. The Commission president also announced plans to launch a strategic dialogue on European refineries to reduce costs and proposed measures to increase the share of electricity in total energy demand.

The EU methane regulation, which entered into force in August 2024, aims to reduce emissions in the energy sector. The delayed requirements would have obliged fossil fuel importers to demonstrate that producers in third countries use adequate systems for measuring, reporting, and verifying emissions. Some member states expressed concerns about the lack of measuring devices and independent verifiers in third countries, which could complicate or increase the cost of importing gas and oil.

Von der Leyen also addressed the broader energy crisis, noting that gas prices have risen by 140% since the end of February, and diesel prices have doubled. Imported fossil fuels have cost Europe an additional 100 billion euros since the start of the war with Iran. She stressed the need for targeted support for families and businesses most affected by the crisis, citing examples from France and Romania where energy vouchers are provided to low-income families.