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<\/p>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
To anticipate possible risks identified by stakeholders and address difficulties in the implementation of the rules, the Commission is putting forward\u00a0two recommendations<\/strong>\u00a0to guide EU countries<\/strong>\u00a0on 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0discussions with EU energy ministers in December 2025\u00a0and June 2026. They also complement the guidance on the\u00a0Methane regulation import requirements\u00a0updated in March 2026, which ensures that implementation is coherent, clear and simple across the EU.<\/p>\n Compliance solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n The first Recommendation brings certainty and clarity to oil, gas and coal importers, suppliers and Member States on how to demonstrate\u00a0compliance<\/strong>\u00a0with 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.<\/p>\n In the case of more\u00a0complex supply chains,<\/strong>\u00a0the guidance clarifies that importers can use solutions such as \u2018trace and claim’<\/strong>\u00a0and \u2018certification’<\/strong>\u00a0to demonstrate compliance. Using such solutions will make demonstrating compliance easier for industry without weakening requirements.<\/p>\n