European Commission moves to abolish seasonal time changes

The European Commission has taken steps toward the permanent abolition of seasonal time changes. Following public consultations where 84% of EU citizens expressed support for ending the practice, the Commission has commissioned a comprehensive scientific analysis to evaluate the necessity of time changes. This report is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

If a final decision is reached, a transition period will be required to allow for technological reprogramming of electronic systems. Estimates suggest that the last time change could occur in March 2027 or 2028, after which a single time standard would be maintained.

Health experts note that seasonal time changes disrupt the human biological clock, affecting sleep, digestion, body temperature, and mood. Adaptation to new hours can take up to two weeks, with individuals possessing extreme chronotypes—often referred to as ‘owls’ or ‘larks’—experiencing the most significant difficulties. Some studies suggest that for those with late chronotypes, the biological clock may fail to fully adjust to the shift, leading to a permanent mismatch with daily obligations and natural light cycles.