EU Methane Emissions Regulation: Romania’s Draft Penalty Regime

The EUKI project Implementing the EU Methane Emissions Regulation supports the effective implementation and enforcement of the EU Methane Emissions Regulation across Central and Eastern Europe. It works with policymakers, regulators, and civil society organisations to strengthen compliance, improve transparency, and reduce methane emissions from the energy sector.

This report assesses the penalty provisions in Romania’s revised Draft Emergency Ordinance proposed in April 2026 to implement the EU Methane Emissions Regulation. It identifies significant gaps in compliance with Article 33 EUMR, including low penalty levels, regulatory loopholes, and broad ministerial discretion. The report also highlights the risk of multiple infringements in the same oil and gas field resulting in only one sanction. This reduces the effectiveness of enforcement measures as a deterrent.