The International Gas Union Urges the European Commission to Use Pragmatism in Its Approach to Methane Emission Regulation

The International Gas Union (IGU) is calling on the European Commission (EC), as a matter of urgency, to postpone the importer obligations due in 2027 and 2028, for three years. This postponement would give the EC, the European Union (EU) Member States and Gas industry itself time to build a framework that enables a genuine and verifiable compliance, one based on reality and pragmatism rather than on ideology alone.

IGU’s position on the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EUMR), together with that of other 16 international organisations, was made clear in a joint letter addressed to the EU Heads of State and Government and their respective Energy Ministers, ahead of the European Council meeting taking place on 15–16 October 2026.

IGU fully supports effective methane-abatement regulatory measures to drive transparent and credible data, monitoring, reporting and verification and we applaud our many members who are already committed to reducing their methane emissions by at least 30% and to operating with near-zero leaks by 2030.

IGU further welcomes the fact that over 50% of the oil & Gas industry is now committed to near-zero emissions, from less than 20% five years ago.

To effectively drive action, however, regulatory requirements should be designed around how natural gas is actually produced, transported and traded. Compliance methodologies need to be available before related obligations or penalties become enforceable, giving suppliers and buyers sufficiently clear rules and transition arrangements to make long-term commitments and ensure that natural gas continues to be delivered seamlessly to where it is needed the most.

Policymakers must avoid creating further uncertainty and energy insecurity by deterring investments in Gas supply and its infrastructure.