Transatlantic Dialogue Explores Practical Steps to Meet EU Methane Rules

On 8 June 2026, the Methane Regulator-to-Regulator Network (MR2R) hosted the Transatlantic Methane Regulatory Dialogue during the OLACDE Methane Summit 2026 in Brasília. The event brought together regulators and technical experts from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, with participants joining both in person and online.

The discussion focused on a pressing question: How can countries prepare for the methane-related requirements of the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR)?

The EU regulation introduces new obligations for importers of oil and gas, and exporters seeking access to European markets will increasingly need to demonstrate that their methane measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems meet equivalent standards.

Understanding what the new EU rules mean

Participants exchanged practical experiences on how EU countries are implementing importer obligations and what this means for producers and exporters outside Europe.

They reviewed the timeline for implementation, including the qualitative reporting requirements that are already in force and the 1 January 2027 deadline by which relevant contracts may need to demonstrate that methane MRV systems are equivalent to EU requirements.

The discussion also looked ahead to possible future developments, including the introduction of methane-intensity thresholds.

Experts highlighted recent international analysis showing that coordinated methane-related import requirements could help drive significant reductions in global methane emissions. At the same time, participants noted the risk of creating a "two-speed" system, where only production destined for export markets meets higher standards while the rest of the sector lags behind.

Key messages from the dialogue

Several common themes emerged during the session.

First, participants agreed that producer-level approaches are likely to be the fastest path to compliance. Companies that can demonstrate robust MRV systems—aligned with EU requirements or advanced OGMP 2.0 reporting levels and backed by independent verification—may be better positioned to meet upcoming expectations. Achieving formal country-level equivalence is likely to take more time.

Second, there was broad agreement that credible verification is essential. Reliable methane data depends on clear verification protocols, qualified and accredited verifiers, and safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest.

Third, participants stressed the importance of a practical and phased approach. Clear guidance, standard templates and regular engagement with operators can help reduce compliance costs and make implementation more manageable, while improving confidence in reported data.

Looking ahead

The dialogue concluded with a shared set of priorities for both regions.

For countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, participants identified the need to strengthen the legal and institutional foundations for methane MRV, align methodologies with recognised international frameworks, improve data management and emissions inventories, and deepen engagement with buyers and authorities in importing countries.

For European participants, priorities included providing clearer guidance on importer obligations, increasing transparency around the documentation needed to demonstrate equivalence, and expanding technical assistance to help partner countries build their MRV and verification capacity.

As methane regulations continue to evolve, the discussion in Brasília highlighted the value of international cooperation and practical exchange. By sharing experiences and working together, regulators can help ensure that methane requirements support both environmental integrity and a fair transition for producers seeking to access global markets.