As the clocks spring forward this weekend, Belgium and France will officially transition to daylight saving time in the early hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025. At 2:00 AM, the time will leap to 3:00 AM, marking the 96th instance since Belgium first adopted this practice in 1977. Originally implemented to reduce energy consumption following the oil crisis of the early 1970s, the biannual time change has sparked renewed debate among citizens and policymakers alike.
The initial goal of shifting the clocks was to maximize daylight hours, thereby minimizing the need for artificial lighting in homes and public spaces. This was particularly significant during the energy crisis that followed the Yom Kippur War in 1973. However, nearly five decades later, the efficacy of this time change has come under scrutiny. A recent survey conducted on dh.be revealed that a significant 69% of respondents opposed the clock adjustment, with many expressing a desire to keep daylight saving time permanently, but only after this last change.
"It doesn't save us anything," commented Pierrette, a survey participant. "I would like someone to explain where the savings are or why we need to change the time at all. In England, they never change it." Louis echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We could stop this immediately! It doesn’t benefit me in any way. I’m neither happy nor disturbed by it! It doesn’t save me electricity or heating!" Such opinions reflect a growing disillusionment with the twice-yearly ritual.
However, the debate over whether to maintain the time change is complicated by regional preferences. Reports suggest that Flemish residents favor standard winter time, while Walloon citizens lean toward keeping summer time. This division complicates any potential consensus on the matter.
Across the border in France, the transition to daylight saving time also took place on March 30, 2025. The French have similarly been grappling with the implications of this time change since it was first introduced in 1975. The French government implemented this measure to align daily activities more closely with natural daylight, aiming to conserve energy. Yet, as with Belgium, many French citizens are questioning its relevance today.
In 2019, the European Parliament voted to abolish the time change, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed any final decisions. Currently, less than 40% of countries worldwide still practice this biannual clock adjustment. Experts have suggested that if France were to adopt permanent summer time, it could result in significant changes to agricultural practices and workers' schedules. Luc Smessaert, vice-president of the FNSEA, noted that later harvests might necessitate more night shifts, ultimately impacting wages.
Interestingly, the implications of a permanent time change extend beyond just energy savings. The Walloon Road Safety Agency (AWSR) has reported a marked increase in drowsiness-related accidents following the switch to daylight saving time. According to the Vias Institute, the number of fatal or injury-causing accidents rises by 8% in the mornings after the time change, while evening accidents decrease by 23%. This stark contrast highlights the potential dangers associated with the adjustment.
In light of these concerns, some experts advocate for a return to winter time, arguing that it aligns better with natural circadian rhythms. A group of specialists convened in Barcelona in October suggested that remaining on winter time during the summer months could synchronize human activities more effectively with the sun's natural schedule. Their recommendation includes reverting to the time zone used by the United Kingdom, which would allow for more morning light in winter and less in summer.
Despite the growing body of evidence against the time change, the European Commission's proposal to abolish it has stalled since December 2019. Each member state is now free to choose its time zone, leading to a patchwork of practices across Europe. In Belgium, a federal survey indicated that 83% of respondents supported the abolition of the time change, yet consensus among EU nations remains elusive.
As the clock strikes 3:00 AM this Sunday, the debate around daylight saving time will continue, with many Belgians and French citizens questioning its necessity. The growing frustration among the populace suggests that the time may be ripe for a reevaluation of this long-standing practice.
In conclusion, while the biannual time change was initially introduced to promote energy savings, its relevance in today's world is increasingly being called into question. As more individuals express their dissatisfaction with the clock change, it remains to be seen whether policymakers will take action to address these concerns and potentially abolish the practice altogether.
