Member States are expected to begin implementing the Regulation in 2025
Brussels, 15 July 2024: Today the first-ever EU regulation to reduce methane emissions has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This is the last step before the legislation enters into force.
The regulation, which will be officially referred to as EU 2024/1787 sets strict new curbs on emissions from fossil fuel operations across EU Member States. Tough standards will also apply to imports from the many oil, coal and natural gas exporters that supply to the EU.
Flavia Sollazzo, Senior Director, EU Energy Transition at Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF Europe) said: "The EU's adoption of the Methane Emissions Regulation is significant progress towards slowing down climate change. It's an ambitious and ground-breaking regulation that sets comprehensive standards that address methane emissions across the entire energy supply chain. As a cornerstone of the EU Green Deal, it reaffirms the EU's commitment to combating climate change. Importantly, it signals the end of the EU outsourcing its pollution beyond its borders. By addressing emissions along its supply chain, the EU is taking responsibility for its large external methane footprint as part of its decarbonisation pathway.
"But let's not forget that the regulation's success hinges entirely on rigorous implementation. The real work starts now: Holding the industry accountable is crucial, and we expect Member States to act swiftly. Immediate steps include implementing national methane emissions reporting requirements by next year, finalising import standards, and developing comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems that extend beyond national boundaries. Additionally, transforming this regulation from policy into global climate action will require building strong international alliances to extend its impact. This isn't just about EU leadership—it's about driving a global shift in methane action and in slowing the pace of global warming.”
Helen Spence-Jackson, Executive Director at EDF Europe, adds: “With advanced monitoring, measuring, and tracking technologies like MethaneSAT now available, policymakers, industry and the public have powerful tools at their disposal. This radical level of transparency eliminates excuses and demands immediate action. The key to success now is proper implementation, which requires collaborative efforts across sectors. Working together, we can build a comprehensive understanding of emissions and develop effective solutions that benefit everyone. This regulation is a framework for constructive collaboration, paving the way for making real progress in the fight against climate change."
Six months after the regulation enters into force, EU member states need to appoint national authorities to oversee compliance with the regulation by EU oil, gas and coal operators, as well as importers and independent verifiers. In addition, the European Commission will present secondary legislation, detailing the methodology EU importers will have to follow when it comes to reporting methane emission intensities.
After tackling domestic emissions, the same monitoring, reporting and verification obligations will be applied to EU importers from January 2027. This means that for all contracts concluded with exporters to the EU, EU importers will have to demonstrate that producers are measuring, monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions in line with the requirements of the regulation.
For more information, please contact:
Anne Visintin: +44 (0)7763 378 371 / anne.visintin@fourtold.eu
Notes to editors
The Methane Menace
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas identified as the second-largest contributor to global warming, with a warming potential over 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide during the first 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere. Atmospheric concentration of methane is increasing faster now than at any time since the 1980s. Methane emissions from human activity are responsible for at least 25% of today's warming. The oil and gas sector stands out as a significant contributor, with methane emissions about 70% higher than official data shows and expected to increase.
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