This Week in Energy — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes one-year delay to methane import rules; Council reviews ETS and sets COP31 positions; RSB scheme recognised for renewables compliance; energy market volatility addressed.
October 12, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Commission proposes one-year delay to methane import rules; Council reviews ETS and sets COP31 positions; RSB scheme recognised for renewables compliance; energy market volatility addressed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 22, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling and repealing Directive 1999/94/EC; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission proposes one-year postponement of Methane Regulation obligations for importers
On 13 October 2026, the European Commission put forward a targeted amendment to the EU Methane Regulation, proposing a one-year postponement of monitoring, reporting, and verification obligations for importers of natural gas, oil, and coal. This measure is intended to avoid additional pressures on security of supply in light of heightened global energy market volatility, driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The amendment affects methane-intensity requirements for both importers and Union producers, but the Commission affirmed that the EU’s ambition to reduce methane emissions remains unchanged. The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council, with the Commission continuing to engage stakeholders on compliance and implementation.
Commission outlines rationale for Methane Regulation amendment amid energy market disruption
The Commission released a detailed Q&A on 13 October 2026 explaining the proposal to delay obligations under the EU Methane Regulation, citing the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure on global LNG and oil supplies. The document sets out that the amendment would give importers, Union producers, and national authorities more time to comply without exacerbating risks to energy security. The Commission reiterated its ongoing commitment to methane abatement and signaled further work on implementing legislation, including industry standards and reporting templates. Two Recommendations to Member States on compliance and penalties, issued in July 2026, remain in force during the extended timeline.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2316 recognises RSB EU RED voluntary scheme for renewable fuels compliance
On 15 October 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2316, recognising the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) EU RED voluntary scheme as compliant with Directive (EU) 2018/2001 for biofuels, bioliquids, biomass fuels, renewable fuels of non-biological origin and recycled carbon fuels. The RSB scheme is now validated for demonstrating compliance with sustainability and greenhouse gas emission savings criteria, including for renewable electricity use and Union database reporting. This Decision repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/607 and is effective until 5 November 2031.
EU Council
Environment Council discusses EU ETS review and COP31 preparation
On 12 October 2026, the Environment Council addressed the proposed review of the EU Emissions Trading System and approved the Union’s main negotiating positions for the upcoming United Nations climate change (COP31) and biodiversity (COP17) summits.
Upcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) set for 29 October
The next Energy configuration of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will convene on 29 October 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Socialist MEPs urge von der Leyen to cap methane-rules delay at one year, or withdraw it: Socialist MEPs demand strict limits on postponing EU methane regulations, warning withdrawal if delay exceeds one year.
- Video. Oil prices drop as stocks rise after Trump touts 'energy ceasefire': Oil prices fell and stock markets gained following Trump's announcement of an 'energy ceasefire' aimed at stabilizing markets.
- German firms outline new infrastructure and green energy plans in Baku: German companies are investing in Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, signaling deepening economic and environmental collaboration.
- Ai Stratis, Greece’s pioneer in energy self-sufficiency with renewable: Ai Stratis achieves full energy independence, becoming Greece’s first island powered entirely by renewable sources.
