The time change is a contentious issue in many European countries, with health experts citing negative impacts on sleep and increased accidents as potential drawbacks of the biannual clock adjustments.
Despite potential energy savings, the effectiveness of daylight saving time in reducing overall energy consumption remains debated among experts.
Future discussions may lead to changes in the current time change regulations, especially if public sentiment continues to favor abolishing daylight saving time.
If consensus is reached among EU member states, the practice of changing clocks may be eliminated, potentially starting from 2026.
As autumn approaches, the time change from summer to winter time will take place across Europe on the night of October 26 to October 27, 2024. At 3:00 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour to 2:00 a.m., allowing people to enjoy an extra hour of sleep. This change is part of the European Directive on Daylight Savings, which aims to achieve energy savings across EU member states. In Germany, the time change has been in effect since 1980, originally introduced to make better use of daylight during the energy crisis. Similarly, Spain also observes this time change, which is expected to continue at least until 2026, despite ongoing debates about its effectiveness and potential health impacts.
The time change has sparked discussions regarding its necessity and effectiveness. In Germany, the Federal Environment Agency notes that while summer time saves light in the evenings, it may increase heating costs in the mornings during winter. Additionally, studies suggest a rise in traffic accidents following the switch to summer time, particularly on Monday mornings. In Spain, the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) estimates that the time change could save energy, but the actual benefits remain uncertain, as heating costs may offset any savings in lighting. Public sentiment has shifted since a 2018 consultation showed that over 80% of participants favored ending daylight saving time.
- The time change was first adopted in Europe in 1980, with the aim of conserving energy during the oil crisis. The current regulations dictate that the time change occurs every last Sunday in March and October.
