This paper summarises a presentation on the implications of the EU Methane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector from the political perspective of the author as an AfD Member of the European Parliament and representative of the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) Group. The central thesis of the presentation is that the import requirements, which come into force from 2027, will become a politically induced crisis factor for the European energy supply. The paper criticises the imposition of monitoring, reporting and audit obligations for methane emissions – equivalent to those in the EU – on global supply chains for natural gas, crude oil and coal within a short implementation period. The focus is on the four main implementation phases of the regulation and a scenario analysis by Wood Mackenzie commissioned by IOGP Europe and Concawe. In its default scenario, around 43 per cent of EU natural g as imports and 87 per cent of EU crude oil imports in 2027 – based on the reference year 2024 – could fail to meet the requirements, leading to significant restrictions on LNG supplies and on the availability of crude oil for European refineries. From the perspective of the AfD and ESN, this climate policy measure is an irresponsible piece of legislation because its objectives are questionable and the technical feasibility, security of supply and economic competitiveness are not guaranteed. The burden on citizens is severe. The potential consequences of reduced or more expensive energy imports range from higher heating and fuel costs, through additional industrial production costs, to risks relating to inflation, business location and employment. The conclusion put forward in this presentation is that the Methane Regulation must be repealed immediately.
