European Commission prepares new study on ending seasonal clock changes
A new Commission analysis aims to assist member states weighing whether to abandon twice-yearly clock shifts; publication date is not yet set.
The European Commission has commissioned a fresh study to support EU member states considering whether to end the practice of seasonal clock changes across the bloc. The Commission says the analysis is meant to help governments coordinate a possible decision, though no publication date for the results has been announced.
Background and timing
The issue dates back to 2018, when the Commission proposed ending the twice-yearly switch between summer and winter time after repeated requests from member states and the European Parliament. That proposal never secured the required backing in the Council of the European Union and has remained stalled for years.
Meanwhile, the annual switch to winter time in the EU will occur on 25 October 2026, when clocks are moved back one hour. The practice in the European Union is to set clocks back on the last weekend of October and forward on the last weekend of March.
On the new study, the Commission said: "Our task as the European Commission is to promote consensus among member states and to facilitate coordination. However, at the end of the day, the decision is in their hands." The statement underlines that any change ultimately depends on agreement between national governments.
Officials did not provide a timetable for the study's release. Member states will remain responsible for choosing whether to adopt a permanent standard or permanent summer time should a political consensus be reached.
Photo: press material from the event
