The European Commission proposed on Wednesday postponing methane monitoring and reporting requirements for oil and gas imports by one year, citing concerns over energy supply security. The changes would shift implementation from January 2027 to 2028 and still require approval from EU governments and the European Parliament.
Under the proposed timetable, importers would have until May 31, 2029, to demonstrate that fossil fuels imported during 2028 met methane monitoring and reporting standards equivalent to those applied within the European Union. Overseas suppliers would need to provide the information necessary to establish compliance.
The Commission said the postponement was intended to avoid placing additional pressure on imported fuel supplies amid geopolitical uncertainty. The proposal follows calls from governments, including France and the United States, to give suppliers and importers more time to prepare.
Methane emissions from leaking energy infrastructure are a major target of the regulation. The gas is the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide, making its reduction an important part of efforts to limit global warming.
Supporters of postponement argue that suppliers’ readiness remains uneven and that compliance risks could discourage deliveries to Europe. Environmental groups have criticised the delay, while industry representatives have sought a longer extension.
The timetable could change during legislative negotiations. Some lawmakers and member states, including Italy and Czechia, favour a three-year postponement, setting up further debate over how quickly Europe should enforce the import requirements while safeguarding fuel availability.
