EU Methane Expert Roundtables: Romania and Czechia
As part of EUKI-funded project Implementing the EU Methane Emission Regulation (I-MER) in Romania and Czechia, two expert roundtables were organised in Bucharest and Prague.
The roundtable format proved particularly effective in facilitating open, solution-oriented dialogue among key stakeholders. By enabling direct exchange between institutions responsible for implementation and actors affected by the regulation, the events created a structured space to clarify regulatory requirements, identify bottlenecks, and explore practical pathways for strengthening enforcement and compliance.
The events brought together representatives from public authorities, industry, academia and civil society to discuss the practical challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation at national level.
The project aims to facilitate structured dialogue, strengthen institutional readiness, and support effective enforcement of the Regulation in both countries.
Bucharest Roundtable – 9 December 2025
The roundtable in Bucharest, organized by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), convened 42 participants and focused on the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation in Romania, with particular attention to the energy sector, and its implications for the investment community.
The ensuing panel discussion displayed a great variety of voices, not only between the two countries, but also between the different policy levels: from ministerial representatives to city councilors and members of civil society. The new Czech government vertebrated the first few exchanges, with an inimical position towards climate action and non-governmental climate policy actors being the most probable scenario in the coming years.
Furthermore, the discussions highlighted that one of the major barriers to making methane emission reduction a material issue for investors is the limited availability of precise measurement equipment. Participants stressed the importance of direct measurement methodologies rather than reliance on emission factors, noting that advanced instruments capable of converting concentration into flow rates remain insufficiently available at operator level. A key solution identified was stronger engagement of the research sector to reduce data ambiguities and support the development of robust and harmonised methodologies.
Methane reduction is already part of investor dialogue, and participants emphasised that introducing clear performance indicators – such as methane intensity disclosed in sustainability reporting – would significantly enhance comparability between producers and suppliers.
The discussion highlighted the need for more accurate calculations of the internal rate of return (IRR) for methane abatement investments in order to increase investor and policymaker interest. It also emphasized the importance of including financing opportunities for methane reduction technologies—particularly satellite-based monitoring solutions—under initiatives such as the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Prague Roundtable – 11 December 2025
The roundtable in Prague, hosted by the Centre for Transport and Energy (CDE), brought into dialogue 12 invited participants and examined the state of play and key challenges in implementing the EU Methane Regulation within the Czech legal and institutional framework. Although the Regulation is directly applicable across the EU, its effective national implementation requires clear institutional arrangements, enforcement mechanisms, and technical guidance.
Participants discussed the allocation of responsibilities, including the role of the Ministry of the Environment in establishing a sanctioning framework and overseeing imports, as well as the potential involvement of national inspection authorities in enforcement. Concerns were raised regarding administrative capacity, particularly in light of recent governmental changes and planned staffing constraints.
A significant portion of the discussion addressed methane emissions from the coal sector, given that a substantial share of reported methane emissions in Czechia originates from active and closed coal mines. Full implementation of mandatory monitoring and reporting obligations for both active and inactive mines was identified as essential, with estimates indicating that comprehensive enforcement could lead to considerable emission reductions, especially from closed sites.
Industry representatives pointed to uncertainty caused by delays in adopting national legislation and clarifying sanctions. The need for detailed technical and methodological guidance – particularly regarding measurement standards, reporting requirements, and the interpretation of key concepts such as venting – was repeatedly emphasised. From an economic perspective, accurate measurement and transparent data were recognised as critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for ESG assessments and investment decision-making, especially in the absence of a dedicated pricing mechanism for methane emissions.
Overall, both roundtables confirmed that the successful implementation of the EU Methane Regulation depends on clear institutional responsibilities, adequate administrative capacity, effective and proportionate enforcement, and continued dialogue among government, industry, investors, and civil society.
More information is available on the project website.