Key facts
- Emmanuel Macron asked the EU to ease fuel quality and methane emissions reporting rules.
- Macron requested a one-year delay on fines for oil and gas companies failing to report methane emissions.
- The French president also proposed softening rules on fuel quality and allowing more biofuels in diesel.
- Macron cited the need to strengthen import and production capacities in the short term.
- The European Commission had previously recommended member countries delay fining offenders until the end of 2029.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to relax EU regulations on fuel composition and methane emissions reporting in an effort to control soaring energy prices. Macron specifically requested a one-year delay on the implementation of fines for oil and gas companies that do not report their methane emissions. This rule, intended to curb potent greenhouse gas emissions, has faced criticism from the U.S. government and the fossil fuel industry, who argue it could deter oil and gas imports and compromise Europe's energy security.