Financial Times: Europe’s Energy Crisis Could Undercut Methane Rules
The Financial Times has reported that Europe’s energy crisis may cast doubt on and prompt a retreat from enforcement of regulations limiting methane emissions, an issue that could affect the European Union’s environmental commitments.
According to the report, Alexandros Exarchou, chairman of Greek infrastructure holding company Aktor, said the European Union may overlook these rules at the height of pressure caused by energy shortages.
The Financial Times also wrote that some European importers are being cautious about signing long-term gas purchase contracts, because the European Union requires companies to report methane emissions.
In recent years, the European Union has introduced binding rules to cut methane emissions, particularly in the energy sector. Under the bloc’s methane regulations, adopted in 2024, companies active in the oil, gas and coal sectors must monitor, measure and report methane emissions and take action to reduce leaks of the gas.
Within this framework, the identification and repair of leaks, as well as limits on flaring and venting gas, are among the requirements. The rules also include mechanisms for greater transparency on methane emissions in oil and gas imports into the European Union.
Phased implementation of the regulations began from 2025 onwards. Methane is considered one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and the energy sector is seen as one of its main sources of emissions worldwide.
