Belgium is set to change its clocks this weekend as the switch to summer time occurs on the night of Saturday, March 29, 2025, into Sunday, March 30, 2025. At 2:00 AM, clocks will move forward one hour to 3:00 AM, resulting in a loss of sleep for many but providing an extra hour of daylight in the evening. This biannual time change has been in place since 1977, originally intended to reduce energy consumption.
However, the effectiveness of this measure has been widely debated. Critics argue that the energy savings achieved through this practice are marginal at best. According to the European Parliament's research service, the change could save between 0.5% and 2.5% of total energy consumption, depending on the country. Yet, many question whether these savings are worth the disruption caused to our daily lives.
The time change also has significant implications for public health. The Walloon Road Safety Agency (AWSR) has reported that the switch to summer time significantly increases the risk of drowsiness while driving, especially during morning commutes. The Vias Institute highlights that the number of accidents involving fatalities or injuries rises by 8% during the mornings of the week following the transition to summer time. This increase is attributed to the sleep deprivation drivers experience in the days that follow the clock change, along with altered light conditions during peak travel times.
As many Belgians adjust to the new schedule, the mornings will be darker, creating a hazardous environment for commuters. The change in luminosity is particularly concerning as it can lead to confusion and fatigue among drivers. The Vias Institute notes that while evening accidents decrease by 23% following the switch, the increase in morning incidents raises serious safety concerns.
In light of these issues, there have been calls to abolish the practice of changing the clocks altogether. The European Commission proposed eliminating the time change in 2018, and initial surveys indicated strong public support for this move. In Belgium, a federal survey revealed that 83% of respondents favored stopping the biannual clock adjustments. However, since December 2019, progress on this front has stalled. Member states have been unable to reach a consensus, ultimately deciding that each country could choose its own time.
This ongoing debate raises questions about the future of time changes in Europe. Some countries, like Turkey, have already opted out of the clock change system, leading to confusion for travelers and businesses. As the matter remains unresolved, Belgians will continue to observe the time changes twice a year, with the next return to winter time scheduled for October 26, 2025.
The historical context of the time change dates back to Benjamin Franklin, who first suggested the idea in 1784 as a way to save on candle usage. Since then, various countries have adopted similar measures, but the practice has come under scrutiny in recent years. Critics argue that the disruption to our biological clocks, which regulate sleep and other physiological processes, is too significant to ignore.
According to Inserm, the switch to summer time has a notable impact on our internal clock, potentially leading to adverse health effects as people struggle to adapt. The disruption can affect sleep patterns, mood, and overall well-being, raising concerns among health professionals.
As Belgium prepares for this weekend's time change, many are left wondering whether the benefits truly outweigh the drawbacks. The loss of an hour of sleep may seem insignificant to some, but for others, it can lead to a cascade of negative effects in the days that follow. With safety on the roads and public health at stake, the ongoing debate about the necessity of clock changes is likely to continue.
In the meantime, as the clocks spring forward, Belgians will have to adjust their routines accordingly. The upcoming change may serve as a reminder of the broader implications of time management in our modern lives, as we navigate the balance between energy conservation and personal well-being.
Ultimately, the question remains: Is it time to put an end to the biannual clock changes once and for all? As more people voice their concerns about the impact of these shifts, it seems that the conversation surrounding time changes in Belgium and across Europe is far from over.
