EU may bend methane rules to smooth trade talks with Trump

The EU is exploring ways to make it easier for US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters to comply with its methane emissions regulations, as part of efforts to prevent a possible trade conflict with US President Donald Trump.

The European Commission is drafting a proposal for upcoming trade negotiations, amid concerns that Trump could impose new tariffs unless the EU increases imports of American energy. Both sides have indicated that energy could be a key part of any broader trade deal, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Trump has repeatedly urged the EU to purchase more US oil and gas to reduce its trade surplus. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested the EU could boost American LNG imports as it seeks to end its reliance on Russian gas by 2027.

To support US exporters, the Commission is considering technical adjustments that would allow American companies to be recognised as following “equivalent” methane rules, enabling automatic compliance with EU regulations. The changes would aim to maintain the law’s environmental integrity while easing the burden on US firms. 

However, Trump’s plan to scrap US methane reporting rules may complicate the EU’s ability to grant such equivalence. A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the potential regulatory flexibilities, stating only: “The Commission has an ongoing dialogue with industry on all relevant matters related to our legislation.”

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is now subject to strict monitoring under EU law. From 2027, non-EU gas suppliers must meet the EU’s methane standards to sign new contracts. US LNG, which made up 45 per cent of the EU’s LNG imports in 2024, could face challenges due to the fragmented nature of the American gas industry.

By Naila Huseynova