A group of 67 MEPs is calling for the abolition of daylight saving time due to its negative impact on health. The lawmakers highlighted concerns about the outdated practice of changing clocks impacting sleep cycles, traffic accidents, and heart attack rates. The call for an end to the biannual clock change was emphasized by MEP Seán Kelly, who believes it is a practical and popular measure supported by a wide political spectrum. A 2017 study commissioned by the European Parliament found that the effects of changing clocks on human biorhythms are more severe than previously thought, with inconclusive benefits or drawbacks for sectors like agriculture.
Daylight Saving Time was initially introduced in countries like the UK and Germany during the First World War to save energy, particularly coal. However, recent research has shown negligible energy savings from this practice. The current system of changing clocks is governed by a 2001 EU directive, which dictates that clocks go back at 1am GMT on the last Sunday in October and forward again on the last Sunday in March. An online consultation conducted by the European Commission in 2018 received a record 4.6 million responses, with 84% in favor of abolishing the clock change.
Despite the overwhelming support for ending daylight saving time, the plans have stalled due to the Covid pandemic and the change in leadership within the European Commission. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is set to begin her second mandate soon, with her team of 26 Commissioners facing confirmation hearings by MEPs. The Commission has stated that member states should be the ones to decide whether to keep permanent summer- or wintertime, in order to avoid fragmentation. As of now, the decision on the 2018 proposal to abolish daylight saving time lies with the EU’s Council, which represents member states.
The movement to abolish daylight saving time has gained momentum with the support of MEPs from various countries and political groups. The negative effects on health, well-being, and safety are significant enough to warrant a reevaluation of the practice. With the majority of respondents in the consultation supporting the abolition of clock changes, the pressure is on the EU to take action. As discussions continue within the EU’s Council and Commission, the fate of daylight saving time hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether this outdated practice will finally come to an end, bringing relief to millions of Europeans affected by its consequences on a regular basis.
