European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said Tuesday that the European Union expects “very high energy prices” this winter, while stressing that it does not anticipate supply problems.
Speaking at a meeting of EU energy ministers in Dublin, Jørgensen said, “There is no doubt that we are heading toward a difficult winter,” while proposing a one-year delay in implementing new rules aimed at limiting methane emissions in an effort to “ease” pressure on energy markets.
French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier called on Brussels to postpone implementation of the legislation. A proposal to delay its implementation from 2027 to 2028 will be presented to EU member states and the European Parliament.
The legislation requires companies importing fossil fuels into Europe to monitor and report their methane emissions. Methane is a highly polluting greenhouse gas.
Several fossil fuel-producing countries, led by the United States, oppose the legislation, warning that it could affect their exports.
Environmental organizations have warned against delaying the measure, arguing that such a move would have no impact on energy prices but would represent another setback for European climate policy.
Source: AFP
