This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Methane Regulation amendment proposal; Safeguard measure correction for ferro-alloying imports; EU-GCC Summit postponed; REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony; Upcoming Energy Council.
October 12, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Methane Regulation amendment proposal; Safeguard measure correction for ferro-alloying imports; EU-GCC Summit postponed; REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony; Upcoming Energy Council.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission proposes targeted amendment to EU Methane Regulation amid supply disruption
The European Commission published a Q&A on its proposal to amend the EU Methane Regulation, citing disruptions caused by the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The amendment would postpone by one year the monitoring, reporting, and verification obligations for importers of natural gas, oil, and coal, as well as related methane-intensity requirements. The Commission stated that this measure aims to mitigate indirect negative effects amid a global energy crisis and to preserve the pragmatic implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. Preparatory work continues on industry standards, leak detection limits, and delegated acts, including a methane intensity methodology. The Commission has launched a call for feedback on draft reporting templates and will maintain engagement with stakeholders through the Network of Competent Authorities.
Steady progress on One Europe, One Market roadmap reviewed by EU leaders
On 14 October 2026, the Presidents of the European Commission, Parliament, and Council conducted the second review of the joint declaration and the 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap, six months after its signature. The review reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening competitiveness, removing Single Market barriers, and improving access to clean and affordable energy. Ursula von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola, and Micheál Martin provided statements highlighting strategic priorities for deeper integration and productivity. The roadmap's implementation is tracked via the Commission's legislative programming and monitoring cycle, with the Irish Presidency reporting strong progress in the Council.
Rescheduling of EU-GCC Summit announced by Commission
The European Commission announced the postponement of the second EU-GCC Summit, originally scheduled for 24 October 2026 in Riyadh. The Summit aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the EU and Gulf Cooperation Council. A new date will be communicated in due course.
Commission awards projects advancing cohesion and critical materials at REGIOSTARS ceremony
At the REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony held in Brussels on 13 October 2026, six EU-funded projects were recognized for their contributions to cohesion policy. Among the winners, the 'eLiRec – Greener Battery Recycling' project from Germany was noted for advancing innovative recycling solutions for critical raw materials with €329,000 ERDF support. The project targets cleaner recovery of materials and the circular economy, contributing to EU strategic autonomy. The Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System (Greece) and AI Holopresence (Slovakia) were also acknowledged for connectivity and innovation. The event was part of the 24th European Week of Regions and Cities.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2270 corrects safeguard measure for ferro-alloying element imports
On 16 October 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2270 amended Regulation (EU) 2025/2351, which imposes a definitive safeguard measure on imports of certain ferro-alloying elements. The amendment recalculates the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for Malaysia due to previously incomplete import statistics from 2022, increasing the in-quota volume. This correction takes effect retroactively from the entry into force of the original regulation.
EU Council
Upcoming Energy Council to address EU energy policy
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy configuration) is scheduled for 29 October 2026.
