EU-Parlament will Methan-Vorschriften um drei Jahre verschieben

The European Parliament has voted to delay key EU regulations on methane emissions by three years. This decision was supported by conservative and right-wing MEPs, the European People's Party, the Patriotes pour l'Europe group, and the European Conservatives and Reformists faction. The delay would push the implementation deadline for the rules to 2030, rather than the initial 2028 target proposed by the European Commission.

The move comes after a month-long campaign by oil and gas companies, who argued that certain key elements of the regulations for monitoring and tracking methane leaks are unclear, posing a risk of non-compliance and potential disruptions to vital supplies to Europe. The Parliament's stance aligns with industry concerns over the risk of supply shortages that could result from rushed implementation of the rules.

In a statement to POLITICO, MEPs Andrea Wechlser and Christian Ehler of the European People's Party emphasized the importance of "political responsibility" and "lawful regulations" to ensure energy supply and European competitiveness. They added that "the crisis in the Middle East is already putting immense pressure on energy markets, with about 20 percent of global LNG trade handled through the Hormuz Strait."

The Parliament's position may provide a boost to national delegations pushing for a longer deadline, as they failed to reach a common position on Wednesday due to opposition from Germany, Italy, and Poland. Member states hope to reach a compromise on Wednesday after failing to do so at the start of the week.