EU proposes delaying methane import standards

The European Commission has proposed postponing requirements for fossil-fuel imports to meet EU methane monitoring and reporting standards, citing energy-supply concerns and pressure from governments and industry. The proposal would give importers until May 2029 to certify supplies from 2028, though another account describes the change as a one-year postponement of the import provisions. The plan still requires approval by the European Parliament and member states. Socialist and Democratic MEPs say any delay should be limited to one year and urge the Commission to withdraw its proposal if lawmakers seek a longer pause, while oil and gas industry representatives have called for a three-year delay. Environmental advocates argue that weakening or postponing the rules undermines climate efforts without addressing the causes of Europe’s energy-market pressures.