The European Commission will recommend flexible methane‑monitoring rules for gas imports, aiming to keep supplies flowing as the US‑Iran conflict tightens markets. Ditte Juul Jørgensen told an industry forum that the new approach will replace granular cargo tracking with a national‑share test, easing compliance for importers.

Current legislation, effective from 2027, forces EU producers to report flaring and venting emissions. Under the revised plan, penalties for breaches – which can reach 20% of annual turnover – will be moderated to avoid cargo delays. Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovenia have pushed for a pragmatic rollout, warning that overly strict rules could choke gas flows.

Analysts note that even with the softened regime, compliant gas could still meet twice the bloc’s 2027 demand, according to Rystad Energy. Industry leaders such as Eurogas president Cristian Signoretto call the changes “good but late,” emphasizing the urgency to align climate goals with energy security. The Commission will issue guidance to ensure uniform application across member states.