As Europeans prepare to switch to winter time this weekend, the European Commission defends the abolition of the time change, a measure favored during a citizen consultation.
A man looks at a clock bearing the inscription “This weekend, switch to winter time” in Godewaersvelde, in northern France. (Photo: PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP)
European Parliament (Strasbourg, France) – “The time has come to finally put a stop to the time change,” argued Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on Thursday, confirming that the European executive had not abandoned the fight during a debate in the Strasbourg hemicycle.
The switch to winter or summer time every six months was implemented in Europe in the 1970s to achieve energy savings during the oil crisis.
The Commission had proposed abolishing it as early as 2018 following a wide consultation across Europe, with 84% of participants in favor. Then the European Parliament had given its green light.
Supporters of its abolition point to its negative impact on health and road accidents, while energy savings are modest, with the widespread use of low-energy lighting.
But the measure has never been implemented, due to a lack of agreement among the 27.
This system “concerns us all, annoys most of us, and I would even say, harms us” while it “no longer even generates energy savings,” explained Mr. Tzitzikostas. (October 23, 2025)
