Methane/EU: Parliament backs a three-year delay to MRV obligations, whilst the Council remains divided

On 22 October 2026, the European Parliament adopted, in plenary session, its position in favour of a three-year deferral of the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) obligations for methane emissions applicable to importers of oil, gas and coal. These obligations, set out in the Methane Regulation adopted in 2024, are currently due to come into force on 1 January 2027, in the absence of an agreement between the Parliament and the Council of the EU.

On 14 October 2026, the Commission had proposed a one-year postponement, to 1 January 2028, to ease the pressure on the industry against a backdrop of high energy prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The three-year postponement, backed by the EPP, was adopted by 341 votes in favour, 225 against and 6 abstentions.

“Today’s vote…