European Parliament backs 3-year delay to methane emission rules for energy imports

In a statement, the parliament said lawmakers adopted their position on the European Commission's proposal by 341 votes in favor, 225 against, and six abstentions.

While the commission had proposed a one-year delay, lawmakers supported extending certain deadlines by three years amid energy market tensions and high prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

Under the parliament's proposal, importers would have until May 31, 2031, to demonstrate that supply contracts concluded or renewed since Aug. 4, 2024, comply with monitoring, reporting, and verification standards equivalent to EU requirements.

EU producers and importers would also have until Aug. 5, 2031, instead of 2029, to report the methane intensity of fossil fuels placed on the European market.

However, lawmakers insisted that the extended deadlines should not apply to oil, gas, and coal originating from countries subject to EU sanctions restricting or prohibiting such imports.

Importers would be required to report these volumes separately, including when they are part of mixed shipments, to prevent circumvention.

The parliament also called on the commission to submit a report by July 1, 2029, assessing implementation and energy supply security.