The Irrelevance of Europe’s Clock Change: Why Time Adjustment is Outdated

health and the economy.">

EU Revives Plan to End Clock Changes Amid Health and Economic Concerns

October 24, 2025

Brussels – A long-standing debate over abolishing seasonal time changes within the European Union has been given fresh impetus, as policymakers grapple with growing evidence of the practice’s detrimental effects on public health and economic stability. The discussion was propelled forward during a recent parliamentary debate and a renewed push from Spain, Poland, and Finland.

First proposed in 2018, the initiative to end the twice-yearly shifting of clocks has faced hurdles despite significant support from members of the european Parliament. The core challenge lies in securing unanimous agreement from all EU member states, a process proving tough to navigate.

The Case for Change: Health and Economic Impacts

EU Transport Chief Apostolos Tzitzikostas underscored the need for action during Thursday’s parliamentary session, stating the current system “affects us all, frustrates most, and even harms people.” Extensive research supports this assertion, demonstrating that disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythms through clock changes can lead to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. A 2023 study by the University of Zurich found a noticeable spike in cardiac events in the days following time shifts.

Beyond health, the economic arguments against clock changes are also gaining traction.The practice,initially implemented during the 1970s energy crisis to conserve energy,is now widely considered ineffective in achieving this goal. Furthermore, fragmented time zones within the EU’s internal market create complications for sectors like energy and transportation.

Spain has been at the forefront of reviving the discussion,with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently stating via X (formerly Twitter) that “Changing the time twice a year no longer makes sense. It barely helps save energy and has a negative effect on people’s health and lives.”

potential Frameworks and Public Support

Previous proposals from the European Commission suggest a framework were individual member states would have the autonomy to choose whether to remain on permanent summer or winter time. This approach would necessitate careful coordination to minimize disruption across borders.

Notably, a 2018 public consultation revealed overwhelming support for ending clock changes, with nearly four million residents across 28 EU member states expressing their approval. This demonstrates a strong public desire for a more stable and predictable time system.

Year	Event
1970s	Clock changes introduced due to Oil Crisis.
2018	EU first proposes abolishing biannual clock changes.
2023	University of Zurich study links clock changes to increased cardiac events.
2025	Spain, Poland, and finland revive the EU debate.

Did You Know? the practice of Daylight Saving Time has roots in ancient civilizations, including Rome, where julius Caesar adjusted the calendar to better align with the solar year.

Pro Tip: To adjust to time shifts, prioritize consistent sleep schedules, expose yourself to natural light, and avoid heavy meals or caffeine before bedtime.

The History of Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time

The concept of standard time zones emerged in the late 19th century with the advent of railroads, as a way to coordinate train schedules across different regions.sir Sandford Fleming, a Canadian engineer, is credited with proposing the idea of 24 time zones around the world. Daylight Saving time, while often associated with energy conservation, has a more complex history, with proponents citing benefits for outdoor activities and reducing crime.However,its effectiveness is continually debated by experts.

Frequently Asked Questions about EU Clock Changes

• What is the primary goal of ending clock changes? The main objective is to improve public health and reduce economic disruption caused by the biannual time shifts.
• Will all EU countries be required to adopt the same time? proposed frameworks suggest countries will have the choice to stay on either permanent summer or winter time.
• What impact could this have on international travel? Coordinated timekeeping will be crucial to minimize disruption to travel schedules and international commerce.
• How does changing the clock affect our health? Disruption to our circadian rhythms is linked to increased risk of heart problems, strokes, and mental health issues.
• Is there a proven energy saving with clock changes? Current research suggests that the energy savings from Daylight Saving Time are minimal or non-existent.
• What was the result of the 2018 EU public consultation? Almost four million people supported ending seasonal time changes.
• What role is Spain playing in this debate? Spain is actively advocating for the abolition of clock changes, viewing it as beneficial for both health and the economy.

What are your thoughts on permanently staying on summer time or winter time? Share your opinion in the comments below!

Why did the initial implementation of Daylight Saving Time occur,and was it based on scientific evidence?

The Past Roots of Daylight Saving Time

The practice of adjusting clocks twice a year,commonly known as Daylight Saving Time (DST) or Summer Time,originated not from scientific consensus,but from a desire to conserve energy during World War I. Germany and Austria-Hungary first implemented it in 1916, hoping to reduce coal consumption.The idea quickly spread, and many countries followed suit. While initially intended as a wartime measure, the concept has persisted, undergoing periods of adoption and abandonment throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.Today, the debate surrounding clock change continues, with growing momentum towards its abolition across europe.

The Debunked Energy Saving Myth

For decades, proponents of DST argued it significantly reduced energy consumption. However,numerous studies have challenged this claim. Modern research suggests any energy savings are minimal, and in certain specific cases, DST can actually increase energy use.

* Increased Heating & Cooling: Extending daylight into the evening often leads to increased use of air conditioning,offsetting any savings from reduced lighting.

* Changing Consumption Patterns: Modern lifestyles, with energy-intensive devices used nonetheless of daylight hours, diminish the impact of DST on overall energy demand.

* Recent Studies: A 2008 study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that DST had little or no effect on energy consumption in the United States. Similar findings have emerged from European research.

the Impact on Human Health & Wellbeing

The bi-annual time shift isn’t just inconvenient; it’s demonstrably harmful to human health. Our internal biological clocks, or circadian rhythms, are finely tuned to the natural light-dark cycle. Disrupting this rhythm has a range of negative consequences:

* Sleep Deprivation: Losing an hour of sleep in the spring is linked to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents.

* mental Health: Studies have shown a correlation between DST transitions and increased rates of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

* Cognitive Impairment: Even a small disruption to sleep can impair cognitive function, affecting productivity and decision-making.

* Cardiovascular Issues: the sudden shift can strain the cardiovascular system, notably in vulnerable populations.

Economic Disruptions & Inefficiencies

Beyond health concerns, seasonal time change creates economic inefficiencies.

* Disrupted Schedules: The clock change disrupts business schedules, transportation networks, and international communications.

* Lost Productivity: Sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment lead to reduced worker productivity.

* Software Glitches: The transition can cause errors in computer systems and scheduling software, requiring costly fixes.

* Travel Complications: adjusting to new time zones, even within the same country, can create confusion and delays for travelers.

The European Union’s Push for Abolition

The European Union has been actively considering abolishing seasonal time change for several years. In 2018, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for ending the practice. While the European Commission proposed ending DST in 2019, implementation has been stalled due to disagreements among member states on whether to adopt permanent summer time or permanent winter time. The key issue is coordinating a unified approach to avoid creating a fragmented time zone landscape within Europe.

Case Study: Finland’s Long-Standing Opposition

Finland has been a vocal opponent of DST for decades. Due to its northern latitude, Finland experiences long periods of darkness during the winter months.Many Finns argue that permanent summer time would provide more daylight during the darker months, improving wellbeing and productivity. This long-held position highlights the varying needs and perspectives across Europe regarding time adjustment.

Benefits of Permanent Standard Time

Adopting permanent standard time (keeping winter time year-round) offers several advantages:

* Improved Sleep: Aligning our clocks with our natural circadian rhythms promotes better sleep quality.

* Enhanced Health: Reducing sleep deprivation and circadian disruption lowers the risk of health problems.

* Increased Productivity: Better sleep leads to improved cognitive function and workplace performance.

* Simplified Systems: Eliminating the clock change simplifies scheduling, transportation, and computer systems.

Practical Tips for Adapting (While We Still Have To)

While the future of DST in Europe remains uncertain, here are some tips for minimizing the negative effects of the time change:

1. Gradual Adjustment: Start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before the clock change.
2. Maximize Sunlight Exposure: Spend time outdoors in natural light, especially in the morning.
3. Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
4. Limit Caffeine & Alcohol: Avoid these substances close to bedtime.
5. Create a Relaxing Bedtime routine: Take a warm bath, read a book