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Declassified

Official Press Release

Ref. PR/EU/2026/0008

Subject of Concern

“Stomach gases.”

Official Response

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (CONCERNED)

Directorate-General for Existential Threats

Brussels, 3 March 2026

PR/EU/2026/0008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — BRUSSELS

We are monitoring with growing alarm the uncontrolled atmospheric emissions currently originating from private digestive tracts across the Union. These unregulated gaseous outflows represent a direct assault on the European Green Deal and threaten the air quality standards established by the Schengen Acquis.

"The integrity of the European airspace begins at the intestinal level," stated Thandiwe Van Der Boom, Commissioner for Gastrointestinal Harmonization and Post-Prandial Stability. "Uncertified venting is not a fundamental right; it is a breach of communal tranquility."

We view with suspicion the American 'Wild West' approach to flatulence, where lack of oversight leads to global olfactory instability. To address this, we have enacted the Digestive Emissions Control Directive (EU) 2024/702. This legislation mandates that all citizens maintain internal pressures not exceeding 1.4 bars and restricts the release of methane-heavy compounds to specific, pre-approved decontamination zones. Failure to provide a volumetric analysis of personal effluence upon request will be met with immediate sanctions.

The single market did not build itself. Neither will compliance.

For the Commission

Thandiwe Van Der Boom, Member of the Commission

Done at Brussels, in triplicate.
Page 1 of 847

(1) OJ L 847, 3 March 2026, p. 1. Authentic in all official languages, pending translation.

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This document is authentic in all 24 official languages:

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This press release is issued under the authority of the Directorate-General for Existential Threats. Redistribution is encouraged in the interest of European solidarity.