European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen called for global cooperation on methane abatement and announced upcoming EU recommendations on implementing the bloc's Methane Regulation, in a speech at the French G7 Presidency's International High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Event on Methane Action on May 4. Jørgensen stressed that methane reduction and energy security are complementary, not competing, priorities, citing IEA data that over 350 billion cubic metres of gas were lost to flaring, venting, and leakage in 2024 alone.
Jørgensen said the European Commission will shortly publish two Recommendations clarifying how the Methane Regulation can be implemented in complex supply chains, including how penalties should be applied to support compliance without undermining security of supply. He noted that European Ministers have backed this approach to ensure the Regulation achieves its objectives without risking security of supply or creating trade irritants.
The Commissioner anchored the EU's approach in the UN Environment Programme Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), calling it the gold standard for transparent, measurement-based accountability. He urged all fossil fuel producers and operators worldwide to adopt the OGMP framework and work with the International Methane Emissions Observatory. Jørgensen also extended an open invitation to join the Global Methane Pledge, which the EU co-convenes with Canada, and expressed support for the UK-led COP30 Statement on Drastically Reducing Methane Emissions in the Global Fossil Fuel Sector.
Highlighting global momentum, Jørgensen pointed to recent developments: in February, the Libyan National Oil Corporation joined OGMP 2.0; across Southeast Asia, the Petronas-led ASEAN Methane Leadership Programme is sharing practical expertise; and in Brazil, new methane regulations under development will set a precedent for the region. He acknowledged that ambition must be paired with solidarity, noting that not all countries can embark on this journey alone, and looked forward to a panel on financing support.
Jørgensen concluded that methane is the single fastest lever to limit near-term warming, and that the tools, frameworks, and case for action are already proven by science, economics, and recent crises. He urged participants to act together without delay.
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