Germany seeks delay for EU methane emission rules

Key facts

• Germany is seeking to delay the European Union's new rules on methane emissions.
• The German government argues the regulations could jeopardize the bloc's oil and gas supply.
• Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stated the rules could prevent imports of gas and petroleum products from 2027.
• A coalition of 12 EU countries, including Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands, previously called for the legislation to be reopened and delayed.
• Fossil fuel companies claim compliance with new reporting and monitoring obligations by January is impossible.

Germany has joined a growing number of European Union member states in seeking to delay the implementation of new rules designed to regulate methane emissions. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stated that the current form of the methane regulation could prevent Germany from importing gas and petroleum products starting in 2027, thereby jeopardizing the country's security of supply. She called for a postponement or an extension of the rules.

Berlin's stance amplifies pressure on the European Commission, as 12 other EU countries, including Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands, have already urged the EU executive to reconsider and delay the legislation. This pushback follows intensive lobbying from the United States government and the fossil fuel industry, which argue that the new reporting and monitoring obligations, set to take effect in January, are unfeasible to meet in time and could lead to significant fines.

Swedish Energy Minister Ebba Busch indicated support for industry-backed analyses suggesting the rules could disrupt supply, despite Sweden's usual strong backing of green initiatives. Conversely, Spanish Energy Minister Sara Aagesen Muñoz cautioned against reopening the legislation, emphasizing the need for legal certainty and the European Union's credibility in adhering to its approved laws.