EU ambassadors were supposed to adopt a joint position last week, but the Irish presidency had to postpone the vote until 6 November. The member states are divided into two camps, neither of which has a majority. A third group of countries has not yet made a final choice.
Ombudsman
Environmental organizations oppose the delay. They warn that the European approach to methane emissions is being undermined. Activist groups have already filed a complaint against the European Commission with the European Ombudsman, arguing that the delay undermines the rule of law.
Opponents also fear that postponing the obligations will ultimately lead to further relaxation or even complete cancellation. This would significantly weaken Europe’s approach to methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas released, among other sources, during the extraction and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas.
For and against
The European Commission proposed three weeks ago to postpone certain obligations for the import of fossil fuels by one year. The European Parliament went considerably further one week later. A majority of 341 to 225 MEPs voted in favor of a three-year delay.
France, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Portugal support the European Commission’s proposal. Opposing them are Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Greece, and Slovenia, demanding a three-year delay. Other countries have yet to take a definitive stance or can agree with both proposals.
Expensive fuel
The debate is fueled by sharply rising energy prices due to the US war against Iran and concerns about European energy supply. Several governments fear that stricter obligations for energy companies will further complicate the import of oil and gas. The US government and the fossil fuel sector have also criticized the proposed European methane legislation.
In September, French President Emmanuel Macron asked the European Commission for a one-year delay. He wanted to prevent new European obligations from further driving up energy prices. France also pushed for easing other European fuel rules to increase import and production capacity.
Monitoring
The new methane rules require oil and gas companies to provide information about their emissions. Companies that fail to report their emissions risk fines. The European Commission had already recommended postponing enforcement of certain obligations. The current discussion concerns legally shifting the implementation dates.
