EU Calls for Global Methane Action and Pragmatic Energy Regulation

Speaking at the French G7 Presidency’s International High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Event on Methane Action, European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stressed that cutting methane emissions is critical for both climate action and energy security. He highlighted International Energy Agency estimates showing that more than 350 billion cubic metres of gas were lost globally through flaring, venting, and leakage in 2024 alone, describing methane abatement as “the single fastest lever” to limit near-term global warming.

Jørgensen said the EU’s Methane Regulation establishes binding requirements for monitoring, reporting, and verifying methane emissions across both domestic energy production and imported fuels. The European Commission plans to publish additional recommendations to clarify implementation across complex supply chains while ensuring security of supply is not compromised.

The Commissioner emphasized that methane reduction must be a global effort, pointing to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) as the benchmark for transparent emissions accountability. He also encouraged wider participation in the Global Methane Pledge and highlighted growing international momentum, including Libya joining OGMP 2.0, methane initiatives in Southeast Asia led by Petronas, and new methane regulations being developed in Brazil.

Jørgensen concluded by urging governments, industry, and financial institutions to accelerate methane mitigation efforts, stating that the technologies and frameworks already exist and that immediate action is essential to reduce emissions while strengthening energy resilience.