During the previous political cycle, the EU introduced ambitious measures to reduce methane emissions across the fossil fuel supply chain and strengthened its engagement in international methane cooperation.
First, the EU Regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector (EUMR) established a robust timeline for phased methane intensity reporting, MRV equivalence, and compliance with still to be developed methane intensity thresholds. However, the EUMR has rapidly evolved from a largely technical, sector-specific instrument into a politically sensitive issue. Internally, it faces criticism from industry stakeholders and suffers from implementation loopholes; externally, it has far-reaching implications for relations with key LNG exporting partners, particularly the USA.
Second, the EU’s engagement in global methane initiatives, including its role in launching the Global Methane Pledge and supporting the IMEO, risks losing momentum amidst the US’s current stance on climate policies, technological and economic constraints, and uneven implementation and lack of commitment among major methane emitters.
In this context, the project will focus on: (1) identifying actionable solutions to preserve and effectively implement the EUMR amidst domestic and geopolitical pressures (80%); and (2) assessing how the EU can strategically reinforce its role in global methane action (20%).
