The European Parliament delays methane emissions obligations by three years following an amendment backed by Virgil Popescu

The European Parliament voted on Thursday to delay by three years certain obligations concerning the monitoring, reporting and verification of methane emissions from the energy sector. The measure, adopted with 341 votes, was supported by an amendment initiated by MEP Virgil Popescu of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and his colleagues from the European People’s Party.

The proposal gives oil, natural gas and coal producers and importers more time to adapt to European requirements. The deadline for demonstrating compliance with standards equivalent to those in the EU would be 31 May 2031, while the first report on methane emissions intensity would be submitted by 5 August 2031, compared with 5 August 2029 under the initial timetable.

The amendment also includes a review clause. By 1 July 2029, the European Commission will have to present a report on the level of preparedness for applying the rules and their impact on security of energy supply. European operators would also receive additional time to submit verified emissions reports.

Virgil Popescu argues that the delay is necessary to protect the competitiveness of industry and maintain investment. In Romania, monitoring old wells could generate significant costs. According to the MEP, there are more than 50,000 oil and gas wells, approximately 43,000 of which are no longer in use. He says the measure does not eliminate emissions-reduction targets, but adjusts the timetable to allow the industry to adapt.