The conflict in the Middle East has forced the EU to compete for supplies on global oil and gas markets, which have seen a significant reduction in supply and increased prices. Against the backdrop of such global uncertainty and energy markets tightness, the European Commission is working with Member States and industry to ensure that the implementation of the EU Regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector would not in any circumstance undermine Europe's security of supply.
As the market situation remains volatile and uncertain, the Commission remains ready to take further measures if the security of supply becomes under risk in the coming months. The Commission is closely monitoring the European market supplies in close cooperation with Member States.
To anticipate possible risks identified by stakeholders and address difficulties in the implementation of the rules, the Commission is putting forward two recommendations to guide EU countries on compliance solutions and penalties regimes. These recommendations will help establish a clear, predictable and reliable framework for the effective implementation of the EU Methane Regulation, which is a key tool to reduce harmful emissions contributing to global warming as well as reinforcing security of supply by addressing methane leaks.
The recommendations issued today recognise the need to reduce methane emissions in a pragmatic, streamlined and cost-effective way, to protect both the environment and energy security. They address the discussions with EU energy ministers in December 2025 and June 2026. They also complement the guidance on the Methane regulation import requirements updated in March 2026, which ensures that implementation is coherent, clear and simple across the EU.
Compliance solutions
The first Recommendation brings certainty and clarity to oil, gas and coal importers, suppliers and Member States on how to demonstrate compliance with the obligations in the Regulation coming into force 1 January 2027 in a simple manner. It provides guidance on compliance solutions that importers can use to demonstrate evidence of compliance to national authorities, setting out criteria Member States should use in assessing solutions. It does not require physical tracing of specific molecules, deliveries or cargoes.
In the case of more complex supply chains, the guidance clarifies that importers can use solutions such as 'trace and claim' and 'certification' to demonstrate compliance. Using such solutions will make demonstrating compliance easier for industry without weakening requirements.
Penalties
Most EU Member States have not yet established penalty regimes. Companies are therefore unable to assess the risks associated with sourcing potentially non-compliant oil and gas. This creates uncertainty.
The second recommendation gives clarity on the suspension of fines by Member States for non-compliance to preserve security of supply.
The Recommendation clarifies that penalties, as required by the Regulation, must remain proportionate and must not endanger security of supply. It recommends Member States to suspend penalties for non-compliance for three years (2027 to 2029) to avoid supply disruptions. At the same time, all obligations remain in place and compliance is still required.
By providing legal certainty and encouraging a coordinated approach across the Union, the recommendation supports Member States in implementing the Regulation's import requirements without undermining energy security. In this way, the guidance also helps ensure that the Methane Regulation does not, in any way, act as a barrier to imports.
Background
The EU Methane Regulation, adopted in 2024, is the world's first comprehensive legislation that also regulates methane emissions related to imports of oil, gas and coal. It covers domestic production, transportation, and processing as well as imports. The implementation of import requirements is phased, with emissions monitoring requirements starting on 1 January 2027. The ambition of the Regulation implemented domestically, coupled with the efforts at international level thought the Global Methane Pledge make the EU a global leader on methane abatement.
