Kazakhstan and Guyana have joined Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar, and the United States in calling on the European Union to delay implementation of, and make targeted changes to, the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR), removing unnecessary barriers to energy exports into Europe while ensuring a workable compliance framework.
October 23, 2026
Estimated Read Time min
WASHINGTON — Kazakhstan and Guyana have joined Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar, and the United States in calling on the European Union to delay implementation of, and make targeted changes to, the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR), removing unnecessary barriers to energy exports into Europe while ensuring a workable compliance framework. This approach would provide greater regulatory certainty for energy suppliers, including for American producers and exporters.
“American energy exports play a vital role in supporting our allies and driving economic growth,” said U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Kaveh Farzad. “The growing coalition on this initiative underscores the importance of a pragmatic approach that provides regulatory certainty and ensures reliable energy continues to reach our European allies."
The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the action by the European Parliament to advance a three-year delay of EUMR implementation as a step forward and encourages swift final adoption of this measure through trilogue negotiations between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission.
The expanded coalition of critical crude oil and natural gas suppliers urges EU leaders to address significant gaps in the regulation’s reporting, verification, and compliance framework. Continued delays in establishing these requirements leave energy producers and importers without the clarity and certainty they need to comply, putting Europe’s energy security, competitiveness, and access to reliable energy supplies at risk.
The six signatories represent a broad and geographically diverse group of energy suppliers to Europe. In 2025, Kazakhstan, the United States, Nigeria and Guyana together accounted for roughly 37% of EU crude-oil imports by volume, while Algeria, Qatar, Nigeria and the United States were collectively responsible for approximately nearly 50% of EU natural gas imports, including LNG.
These figures underscore the importance of ensuring that the EUMR strengthens methane performance without inadvertently restricting access to diverse sources of energy.
Kazakhstan and Guyana join the initiative launched in a June 24,2026 open letter by Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar and the United States. Their participation expands the coalition across Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America and strengthens the international call for a pragmatic approach to EUMR implementation.
Click here to read the updated joint letter, including the new signatories from Kazakhstan and Guyana.