{"id":1922549,"date":"2026-05-07T11:56:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T08:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1922549"},"modified":"2026-05-07T11:56:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T08:56:08","slug":"brussels-mulls-scrapping-methane-fines-amid-energy-crisis-leak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1922549","title":{"rendered":"Brussels mulls scrapping methane fines amid energy crisis &#8211; leak"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/93\/16\/1200x675_cmsv2_43ea71b4-f62a-5d8f-b18b-8b184eabe855-9749316.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891925-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2891925\" data-cid=\"9750054\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891925-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/00\/54\/189x106_cmsv2_0c479389-d704-5882-a364-62b738791ccb-9750054.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran, 8 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran\u2019s president meets new ayatollah amid persistent health questions\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891867-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891867\" data-cid=\"9749730\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891867-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_ddf76a42-ffff-526c-846c-33c87a64c936-9749730.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pussy Riot and FEMEN activists protest at Russia's Pavilion at the Venice Biennale over its invasion of Ukraine; 6 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Blood is Russia&#8217;s art&#8217;: Protests mark start of Venice Biennale\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891683-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2891683\" data-cid=\"9749233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891683-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/92\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_c2e4763f-3fde-5b35-a5e6-bfe9af1a458c-9749233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Aveiro, Portugal.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These EU states have already used up their natural resources for 2026\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891893-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2891893\" data-cid=\"9749891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891893-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/98\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_aaaf9990-d0a9-5f58-aa49-657ca2b59cb6-9749891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Gas prices are displayed at a Shell gas station in front of the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Carson, Calif.,  1 April, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shell profits surge as Iran war drives oil prices higher\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891925-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2891925\" data-cid=\"9750054\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891925-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/00\/54\/189x106_cmsv2_0c479389-d704-5882-a364-62b738791ccb-9750054.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran, 8 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran\u2019s president meets new ayatollah amid persistent health questions\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891867-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891867\" data-cid=\"9749730\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891867-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_ddf76a42-ffff-526c-846c-33c87a64c936-9749730.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pussy Riot and FEMEN activists protest at Russia's Pavilion at the Venice Biennale over its invasion of Ukraine; 6 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Blood is Russia&#8217;s art&#8217;: Protests mark start of Venice Biennale\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891683-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2891683\" data-cid=\"9749233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891683-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/92\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_c2e4763f-3fde-5b35-a5e6-bfe9af1a458c-9749233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Aveiro, Portugal.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These EU states have already used up their natural resources for 2026\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891893-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2891893\" data-cid=\"9749891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891893-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/98\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_aaaf9990-d0a9-5f58-aa49-657ca2b59cb6-9749891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Gas prices are displayed at a Shell gas station in front of the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Carson, Calif.,  1 April, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shell profits surge as Iran war drives oil prices higher\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Brussels mulls scrapping methane fines amid energy crisis &#8211; leak<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/93\/16\/1536x864_cmsv2_43ea71b4-f62a-5d8f-b18b-8b184eabe855-9749316.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A flare to burn methane from oil production is seen on a well pad near Watford City, North Dakota, Aug. 26, 2021. \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A flare to burn methane from oil production is seen on a well pad near Watford City, North Dakota, Aug. 26, 2021.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo \/  Matthew Brown<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo \/  Matthew Brown\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMarta Pacheco\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778154968\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-07 13:56:08 +02:00\">07\/05\/2026 &#8211; 13:56 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header 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alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The EU executive had previously eased the rules in response to growing pressure, delaying parts of the measure, Now, however, it is now going further, removing the very incentives that would ensure effective monitoring of methane pollution.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The European Commission is considering suspending methane fines for oil and gas producers during gas shortages, emergency storage situations, or major oil supply shocks, according to a leaked document seen by Euronews.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The draft text, circulated to EU member states, says penalties should not jeopardise gas or oil supplies during periods of market stress or crisis \u2014 a move likely to be seen as a concession to mounting pressure from industry and international partners. <\/p>\n<p>Oil and gas producers, along with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have previously called on Brussels to scrap or soften the methane rules, warning they could disrupt trade and investment flows, especially during the current energy crisis.<\/p>\n<p>With Europe increasingly dependent on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) \u2014 much of it from the United States \u2014 Brussels is concerned that strict enforcement could strain relations with suppliers, deter investment or divert cargoes to more lucrative Asian markets. <\/p>\n<p>A Commission spokesperson had previously said the EU executive was finalising guidance to ensure the \u201cuniform and coordinated implementation\u201d of penalties under the methane regulation in a way that does not threaten security of supply.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">COP30: World is falling behind on crucial methane emissions cuts, new report warns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pressure has also intensified following a March study by industry groups and consultancy Wood Mackenzie, which found that the methane rules could render 43% of EU gas imports and 87% of oil imports non-compliant from 2027 onwards.<\/p>\n<p>Critics, however, are likely to argue that the EU is attempting to avoid a confrontation with major exporters and energy companies by embedding broad flexibility into the enforcement system \u2014 potentially undermining the credibility of the legislation itself.<\/p>\n<p>EU countries adopted methane rules in May 2025, introducing the bloc\u2019s first framework for measuring, reporting and verifying methane emissions in the energy sector as part of efforts to curb one of the most potent greenhouse gases.<\/p>\n<p>Methane arises from fossil fuel production or livestock digestion, and is a highly potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential over 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The <strong>International Energy Agency<\/strong> (IEA) says the gas is responsible for about 30% of the rise in global temperature since the Industrial Revolution.<\/p>\n<h2>Watering down methane rules<\/h2>\n<p>In response to growing industry pressure, the Commission had already delayed parts of the regulation from 2025 to 2027. Critics say the latest proposal goes even further, weakening the financial incentives designed to ensure compliance and robust monitoring.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission&#8217;s draft proposal to national authorities encourages regulators to consider everything from LNG availability to storage obligations before imposing fines, stressing that financial penalties should not endanger continuity of supply, worsen gas crises or undermine storage obligations. <\/p>\n<p>If confirmed, the measure would let major energy suppliers claim that punishing them too harshly could disrupt Europe\u2019s energy market &#8211; even if the Commission proposal to scrap penalties is set to be temporary. <\/p>\n<h2>Inside the EU&#8217;s methane rules<\/h2>\n<p>The EU&#8217;s methane legislation requires energy operators to detect and repair methane leaks, measure emissions at source level and implement mitigation measures across their infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>The rules also apply to EU energy imports, since the bloc&#8217;s methane rules introduced global monitoring tools to increase transparency from oil, gas, and coal entering the bloc.<\/p>\n<p>Energy operators are also required to draw up monitoring reports to be checked by independent accredited verifiers, as well as carry out surveys of methane leaks in different types of infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>In cases where methane leak levels are above a certain threshold \u2014 due to ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance or accidental damage \u2014 operators will need to repair or replace within stipulated time limits.<\/p>\n<p>Oil, gas and coal companies must also compile inventories of inactive and abandoned assets, including wells and mines, to monitor residual methane emissions. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">AI-powered methane tracking, offshore drones and real-time safety analytics revealed at ADIPEC 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>US Energy Secretary Wright told an audience at the IEA in February that the US&#8217;s methane performance was &#8220;outstanding&#8221;, noting it was driven by social forces and not regulation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Methane emissions went down in the US over the past years, not because of regulators but investment concerns. We\u2019re about innovation, not regulation, and we will continue to drive down methane intensity with better methodology,&#8221; Wright said.<\/p>\n<p>In the same month, several US Democratic lawmakers called on the EU to uphold its methane rules and avoid exempting American energy operators if US domestic standards lack sufficient accuracy or enforcement. <\/p>\n<p>They argued that setting clear, consistent rules for all suppliers is &#8220;essential to reduce trade barriers&#8221; between countries with higher environmental standards for oil and gas, and to reward producers that deploy readily available methane-reduction technologies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  US lawmakers urge the EU to keep methane rules<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  COP30: World is falling behind on crucial methane emissions cuts, new report warns<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Clean air policies may have \u2018unfortunate consequences\u2019 for methane emissions<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Europe&#8217;s energy crisis<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Commission<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  methane<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  carbon emissions<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2891868-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891868\" data-cid=\"9749731\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891868-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/31\/320x180_cmsv2_07401b2e-f3e6-5500-a906-ab55edb37dd7-9749731.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The MV Hondius cruise ship is anchored at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Wednesday, 6 May 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Deadly hantavirus cruise sparks international passenger search<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2891784-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891784\" data-cid=\"9749373\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891784-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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drones from Russia crash in Latvia, army says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891331-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891331\" data-cid=\"9747275\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Timmy the humpback whale presumed to have died<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891764-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891764\" data-cid=\"9749267\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine &#8216;will respond in kind&#8217; Zelenskyy says ahead of Moscow parade<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891411-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891411\" data-cid=\"9747562\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who has the most ultra-rich in Europe in 2026 and where are they growing fastest?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891784-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891784\" data-cid=\"9749373\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran reviewing US peace deal proposal as Trump ramps up pressure<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891540-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891540\" data-cid=\"9748239\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus-hit cruise ship evacuates three patients to the Netherlands<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The European Commission is considering suspending methane fines for oil and gas producers during gas shortages, emergency storage situations, or major oil supply shocks, according to a leaked document seen by Euronews.The draft text, circulated to EU member states, says penalties should not jeopardise gas or oil supplies during periods of market stress or crisis \u2014 a move likely to be seen as a concession to mounting pressure from industry and international partners.Oil and gas producers, along with US Energy Secretary\u00a0Chris Wright, have previously called on Brussels to scrap or soften the methane rules, warning they could disrupt trade and investment flows, especially during the current energy crisis.With Europe increasingly dependent on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) \u2014 much of it from the United States \u2014 Brussels is concerned that strict enforcement could strain relations with suppliers, deter investment or divert cargoes to more lucrative Asian markets.A Commission spokesperson had previously said the EU executive was finalising guidance to ensure the \u201cuniform and coordinated implementation\u201d of penalties under the methane regulation in a way that does not threaten security of supply.Pressure has also intensified following a March study by industry groups and consultancy Wood Mackenzie, which found that the methane rules could render 43% of EU gas imports and 87% of oil imports non-compliant from 2027 onwards.Critics, however, are likely to argue that the EU is attempting to avoid a confrontation with major exporters and energy companies by embedding broad flexibility into the enforcement system \u2014 potentially undermining the credibility of the legislation itself.EU countries adopted methane rules in May 2025, introducing the bloc\u2019s first framework for measuring, reporting and verifying methane emissions in the energy sector as part of efforts to curb one of the most potent greenhouse gases.Methane arises from fossil fuel production or livestock digestion, and is a highly potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential over 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.\u00a0The International Energy Agency (IEA) says the gas is responsible for about 30% of the rise in global temperature since the Industrial Revolution.Watering down methane rulesIn response to growing industry pressure, the Commission had already delayed parts of the regulation from 2025 to 2027. Critics say the latest proposal goes even further, weakening the financial incentives designed to ensure compliance and robust monitoring.The Commission&#8217;s draft proposal to national authorities encourages regulators to consider everything from LNG availability to storage obligations before imposing fines, stressing that financial penalties should not endanger continuity of supply, worsen gas crises or undermine storage obligations.If confirmed, the measure would let major energy suppliers claim that punishing them too harshly could disrupt Europe\u2019s energy market &#8211; even if the Commission proposal to scrap penalties is set to be temporary.Inside the EU&#8217;s methane rulesThe EU&#8217;s methane legislation requires energy operators to detect and repair methane leaks, measure emissions at source level and implement mitigation measures across their infrastructure.The rules also apply to EU energy imports, since the bloc&#8217;s methane rules introduced global monitoring tools to increase transparency from oil, gas, and coal entering the bloc.Energy operators are also required to draw up monitoring reports to be checked by independent accredited verifiers, as well as carry out surveys of methane leaks in different types of infrastructure.In cases where methane leak levels are above a certain threshold \u2014 due to ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance or accidental damage \u2014 operators will need to repair or replace within stipulated time limits.Oil, gas and coal companies must also compile inventories of inactive and abandoned assets, including wells and mines, to monitor residual methane emissions.US Energy Secretary Wright told an audience at the IEA in February that the US&#8217;s methane performance was &#8220;outstanding&#8221;, noting it was driven by social forces and not regulation.&#8221;Methane emissions went down in the US over the past years, not because of regulators but investment concerns. We\u2019re about innovation, not regulation, and we will continue to drive down methane intensity with better methodology,&#8221; Wright said.In the same month, several US Democratic lawmakers called on the EU to uphold its methane rules and avoid exempting American energy operators if US domestic standards lack sufficient accuracy or enforcement.They argued that setting clear, consistent rules for all suppliers is &#8220;essential to reduce trade barriers&#8221; between countries with higher environmental standards for oil and gas, and to reward producers that deploy readily available methane-reduction technologies.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/07\/brussels-mulls-scrapping-methane-fines-amid-energy-crisis-leak&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/93\/16\/1200x675_cmsv2_43ea71b4-f62a-5d8f-b18b-8b184eabe855-9749316.jpg&#8221;] Iran Iran\u2019s president meets new ayatollah amid persistent health questions Art &#8216;Blood is Russia&#8217;s art&#8217;: Protests mark start of Venice Biennale Earth News These EU states have already used up their natural resources for 2026 Business Shell profits surge as Iran war drives oil prices higher Iran Iran\u2019s president meets new ayatollah [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1922549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1922549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1922549"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1922549\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1922549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1922549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1922549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}