Experts discussed methane emission monitoring in Brussels

On 4 March in Brussels, representatives of the State Mining Authority took part in the fourth meeting of the working group of authorities responsible for implementing the Methane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787.

These regular meetings of experts from European countries are intended to promote cooperation and enable the systematic exchange of best practices among competent authorities responsible for monitoring, regulation and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Regulation on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector (in accordance with Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1787).

The Methane Regulation is one of the most significant European Union initiatives in recent years in the field of climate policy. Its aim is to reduce emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas whose short-term impact on global warming is many times greater than that of carbon dioxide. The regulation introduces detailed rules for monitoring, reporting and reducing methane emissions in the mining, gas and energy sectors.

The regulation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on 13 June 2024, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 15 July 2024, and entered into force on 4 August of the same year. It constitutes a key element of the EU’s strategy to significantly reduce methane emissions by 2030.

In accordance with the amended provisions of the Geological and Mining Law, the President of the SMA is the competent authority responsible for monitoring and enforcing the regulation.