Netherlands pushes EU to delay stricter methane climate rules over energy security fears
The EU regulations are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, and require gas suppliers to measure methane emissions. They could later allow the EU to block the most polluting imports from its market, NU.nl reports. The Netherlands is part of a 12-country coalition pushing for a three-year delay. This comes even as most EU members continue to support the climate policy.
The push is unfolding amid growing concerns about gas availability. A recent disruption linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz reduced global supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a form of natural gas that has been cooled into liquid for transport by ship over long distances. At the same time, European gas storage levels are already relatively low heading into winter.
Oil industry groups and analysts at Wood Mackenzie warn the rules could lead to shortages. Their research, commissioned by two industry associations, estimates that nearly 50% of gas imports and about 90% of oil imports would not comply with the standards next year. They say this raises risks for Europe’s energy security.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, is also lobbying against the policy. U.S. ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder told the Financial Times the rules “could still trigger an energy crisis at a time when Europe cannot afford it.”
Environmental organizations strongly oppose any delay. A coalition of NGOs wrote to the European Commission in April. They said, “Stable regulation is essential for energy security.” They also said, “implementation, not renegotiation, is the only credible option.” They point to Rystad Energy analysis arguing that sufficient compliant global gas supply already exists.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has rejected reopening the law. He said the methane regulation “will not be reopened; I can say that with certainty.” However, the Commission is considering limited “flexibilities,” including reduced fines and lower administrative burdens.
Experts remain divided. Louise van Schaik of the Clingendael Institute supports the rules, arguing they are necessary to curb emissions. She described U.S. shale gas production as “truly gruesome for the environment.” TNO energy expert Rene Peters warns of short-term supply risks. He said it is “not an imaginary scenario that American suppliers will send their ships to Asia,” which could leave Europe short of LNG.
The methane policy is linked to the 2021 Global Methane Pledge. It was launched under then-President Joe Biden to cut emissions sharply by 2030. That effort has weakened since President Donald Trump rolled back U.S. methane rules and increased opposition to EU regulations.
