Kazakhstan and Guyana Join Coalition Urging EU Methane Rule Delay

Kazakhstan and Guyana have joined Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar and the United States in calling on the European Union to delay implementation of the EU Methane Regulation and to make targeted changes that would remove unnecessary barriers to energy exports into Europe.

U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Kaveh Farzad said American energy exports play a vital role in supporting allies and driving economic growth, and that the growing coalition underscores the importance of a pragmatic approach that provides regulatory certainty and ensures reliable energy reaches European allies. The Department noted the European Parliament's action to advance a three-year delay of EUMR implementation as a step forward and encouraged swift final adoption through trilogue negotiations.

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. The signatories argue that the regulation must strengthen methane performance without inadvertently restricting access to diverse energy sources.

The coalition was launched in a June 24,2026 open letter by Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar and the United States. The addition of Kazakhstan and Guyana expands the group across Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America, reinforcing the international call for a pragmatic approach to EUMR implementation.