Ahead of the meeting between the European Commission (EC) and Europe’s largest industrial players in Antwerp, and as EU Heads of State prepare for the Informal European Council Meeting (EUCO) on 12 February 2026, a broad coalition of Civil Society Organisations has issued a joint statement underlining the EU Methane Regulation’s (EUMR) strategic role for Europe’s competitiveness, energy security and affordability.
Recent attacks from the fossil fuel industry and other business sectors have targeted the EUMR -particularly its import framework- with the aim of weakening its scope and impact. Amid current geopolitical tensions and Europe’s growing reliance on US LNG (liquefied natural gas), the joint statement echoes a recent letter from Members of US Congress, urging for a consistent and ambitious implementation of the EUMR.
Civil society organisations have responded to the unfounded arguments behind the fossil fuel’s attacks, explaining why:
- The EUMR does not endanger the EU’s security of supply.
- The EUMR does not undermine EU competitiveness.
- The EUMR does not increase energy prices or reduce affordability.
Find and read the full statement here.
The Statement is signed by:
- Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, EU
- Amici della Terra, Italy
- Andy Gheorghiu Consulting, Germany & international
- BBL, Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Belgium
- CATF, Clean Air Task Force, EU and international
- CCCA, Center for Climate Crime Analysis, Netherlands & international
- CDE, Center for Transport and Energy, Czech Republik
- Clean Air Action Group, Hungary
- DUH, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Germany
- ECCO Think Tank, Italy
- ECODES, Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo, Spain
- EEB, European Environmental Bureau, Europe
- EIA, Environmental Investigation Agency, UK and international
- EKOenergy ecolabel, Finland and international
- FWAE, Food & Water Action Europe, EU
- Green Transition Denmark, Denmark
- Greenpeace European Unit, EU
- IGSD, Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, US and international
- National Society of Conservationists – Friends of the Earth Hungary, Hungary
- Za Zemiata – Friends of the Earth Bulgaria, Bulgaria
- 2Celsius, Romania
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