EU Methane Regulation: A Step in the Right Direction, But Legal Certainty Still Outstanding

On Monday, the European Commission presented recommendations for implementing the EU Methane Regulation. With the recommended temporary waiver of sanctions and new guidance on documentation procedures, the Commission is addressing industry concerns. For Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft, this is an important step toward clarifying outstanding implementation questions and mitigating risks for gas procurement:

"The industry stands behind the objectives of the EU Methane Regulation. Methane emissions along the entire supply chain must be effectively reduced, measured, and transparently documented. The Regulation is well-intentioned, but in its current form it is not practicable. With its recommendations, the European Commission now acknowledges the industry's legitimate concerns and is responding to companies' practical implementation challenges. This is an important step.

The recommended three-year sanctions moratorium can provide time for effective adjustments, but it does not yet offer reliable legal certainty. The Regulation's obligations remain unchanged. The new recommendations on documentation procedures in international supply chains point in the right direction, but remain non-binding. At least, the Commission's intention to eliminate risks for importers, exporters, and long-term supply contracts becomes clear.

This is why our demand remains: we need binding, EU-wide certification standards and legally reliable solutions. Germany's national implementation law must simultaneously ensure clear responsibilities and proportionate enforcement. Only in this way can the offered extension of time help remedy the structural flaws in the Regulation."