The request to use an urgent procedure for the proposed postponement of the EU’s methane rules was approved by an overwhelming majority, with Dimitris Tsiodras serving as rapporteur for the European People’s Party.
The aim of this postponement is to safeguard Europe’s energy supplies and prevent further increases in energy prices for households and businesses.
After the vote, the MEP and press spokesperson for the New Democracy group in the European Parliament said: “The ongoing crisis in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy markets have increased uncertainty over energy supplies and prices. At a time when European households and businesses are already struggling with high energy costs, we cannot afford additional regulatory uncertainty that could put our energy imports at risk.”
He stressed that “reducing methane emissions is important, but Europe must also ensure it has the energy needed to heat homes and keep industry running.”
He concluded by saying: “Europe faces some of the highest energy prices in the world. We must not introduce new rules faster than energy suppliers can adapt, as this would make natural gas imports more difficult and more expensive. For this reason, the European People’s Party is calling for the implementation of the new rules to be postponed, giving companies the time they need and the legal certainty to comply.”
The European Parliament plenary has approved the request to use an urgent procedure and is expected to vote on the proposed changes to the EU’s methane rules next Thursday in Strasbourg.