European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday that exporters would receive an additional year of flexibility to prepare for the European Union’s methane regulations, as high energy costs put pressure on businesses and households.
Addressing the European Parliament, von der Leyen warned that difficulties paying energy bills could worsen as winter approaches. “We will give flexibility to exporters for one more year on methane,” she said.
The announcement concerns methane-emissions requirements affecting fossil-fuel supplies entering the European market. Oil and gas importers had been due to face stricter reporting obligations for their overseas suppliers from January 2027, according to The Wall Street Journal. The additional preparation period comes as European policymakers seek to contain energy costs and maintain reliable supplies.
Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, can escape during the production and transportation of oil and natural gas. The EU rules seek to curb these emissions through stronger monitoring and verification requirements.
The regulations have faced opposition from major energy suppliers. In June, the United States, Qatar, Nigeria and Algeria urged Brussels to pause the requirements and introduce targeted amendments, arguing that difficulties complying could disrupt deliveries to Europe.
Von der Leyen also announced plans for a strategic dialogue with European refineries aimed at reducing costs. Separately, the Commission intends to propose measures in the coming months to increase electricity’s share of overall energy demand.
The planned flexibility has renewed debate over how Europe should balance energy affordability with its climate commitments. Environmental experts cited by Le Monde argue that delaying monitoring requirements would weaken efforts to reduce methane emissions while offering limited benefits for prices or supply security.
The announcement sets out the Commission’s intended approach, but the precise implementation arrangements remain a key issue for suppliers preparing future deliveries.
