European Union Methane Regulation: Verification & Reporting Protocol
(Interim Final)

This protocol was developed by researchers affiliated with the Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL), which is one of several emissions-related programs at the UT Austin’s Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis (CEESA). EEMDL is a joint research initiative of UT Austin, Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines.

BACKGROUND

Starting January 1, 2027, operators supplying natural gas and crude oil to the European Union will be required to begin implementing methane monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems aligned with EU import standards. This regulation has implications for global gas and LNG suppliers, as well as for gas buyers in other regions. 

The EU Methane Regulation (EUMR) is the first regulation of its kind in the world, and it places a central challenge on independent third-party verification of emissions data. Even for companies aligned with OGMP 2.0, the EUMR requires independent third-party verification at a “reasonable assurance” level. However, the regulation provides no definition of “reasonable assurance” or how it could be achieved, providing space for an independent verification protocol to take shape.

The University of Texas at Austin—drawing on extensive expertise in methane emissions measurement, OGMP alignment, and global energy supply chains—has developed protocols to fill this space. These protocols are designed to ensure clarity, consistency, credibility, and comparability in methane reporting and verification worldwide.

GLOBAL STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Researchers at UT Austin have solicited detailed input from a wide array of global stakeholders during the development of the Verification Protocol.

Through workshops, webinars, bilateral technical sessions and other outreach activities, our researchers engaged stakeholders representing:

  • More than 200 organizations

  • More than 40 countries

  • Major energy exporting and importing regions, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

  • Key segments of the global energy sector, including onshore and offshore energy producers, export terminal operators, national oil companies, integrated oil companies, assurance providers, and technology providers.

THE VERIFICATION PROTOCOL

EEMDL-affiliated researchers at UT Austin have created two companion tools that work together:

  1. Verification Protocol – A step-by-step process for independent third-party verifiers, based on international assurance standards (ISO 14064-3, ISO 14065, ISO/IEC 17029) and EU precedents.

    • Defines competence, impartiality, and quality requirements for verifiers.

    • Sets clear rules for engagement scope, assurance level, site visits, and materiality thresholds.

    • Provides templates for risk assessment, evidence gathering, and reporting.

  2. Provisional Reporting Protocol – An assurance-ready reporting framework for producers seeking to demonstrate equivalency with Article 12 emissions reporting.

    • Defines exactly what to include in methane inventories.

    • Establishes reconciliation guidance on the integration of source-level quantification and site-level measurements.

    • Specifies data elements for EUMR compliance.

Without these protocols, two equally skilled verifiers could review the same data and reach different conclusions—undermining confidence in compliance claims. 

While the Verification Protocol was designed to satisfy requirements of the EUMR, it is part of a broader research program at UT Austin focused on production and consumption patterns across the global energy sector.

Therefore, the Verification Protocol can potentially be applied more widely for U.S. and global gas supplies, as both sellers and buyers seek to increase productivity, reduce losses of natural gas, and minimize fugitive methane emissions across their supply chains and associated infrastructure.

A Protocol for Independent Verification of Methane Emissions of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production Placed on the European Union Market – Interim Final

To download the Interim Final Protocol, please fill out this form.

Webinar Recording
Date: October 29, 2025

Webinar Recording
Date: November 6, 2025

INTERIM FINAL PROTOCOL: PURPOSE AND NEXT STEPS

Throughout the global stakeholder consultation process, the input of the European Commission has been sought and received to align the protocol with EUMR requirements on independent verification. In addition to stakeholder input, the interim final protocol reflects all Commission feedback received as of February 10, 2025. 

To support continued alignment, further regulatory consultation with the Commission and EU competent authorities will be sought on the interim final protocol. Following this round of regulatory consultation, the final version of the Verification Protocol is expected by the end of May 2026.

WEBINARS & WORKSHOPS

A series of webinars and in-person workshops were held during the global stakeholder consultation process, providing an opportunity for global participants to engage directly and ask questions. Recordings of these webinars can be accessed below.

Please note that while the core content is consistent across sessions, the audience and questions vary.

Webinar Recording
Date: September 23, 2025