FuelsEurope recognises Council efforts to address EU Methane Regulation implementation challenges – but this is not yet sufficient

FuelsEurope recognises the Council's efforts to address implementation challenges under the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR) through its general approach on the targeted postponement of certain importer obligations. The approach acknowledges the need to ensure that functioning compliance tools are in place before the relevant obligations become applicable.

A dedicated impact assessment should evaluate the Regulation's remaining compliance gaps and implications for EU industrial competitiveness, security and diversification of supply.

A postponement alone will not address the implementation challenges that continue to hinder obligated parties' ability to comply effectively. Nevertheless, the proposed stepwise approach based on further conditional postponements risks creating uncertainty for Member States and operators. Greater clarity and a predictable, harmonised implementation pathway are needed to support effective compliance planning, investment decisions and a level playing field across the European Union.

FuelsEurope therefore considers that the forthcoming interinstitutional negotiations should provide a more realistic timeframe for deploying the necessary compliance solutions.

FuelsEurope remains committed to supporting the objectives of methane emissions reduction and to engaging constructively with EU institutions to ensure that the Regulation can be implemented effectively and proportionately.