As the clock springs forward this weekend, the annual debate over daylight saving time (zomertijd) reignites. The transition, which occurs in the early hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025, has long been a topic of discussion in the Netherlands and across Europe. Originally introduced in 1977 to synchronize with neighboring countries as part of a European Union agreement, the practice is now under scrutiny amid calls for its abolishment.
The European Parliament had reached a consensus in 2019 to eliminate the clock change, with 2021 marked as the intended last year for the shift. However, the decision was left in the hands of individual member states to determine their new standard time, leading to a stalemate that continues to this day. As noted by Fons Lambie, a political reporter, "The issue has been put on hold by the EU member states because there are other more important issues at hand."
Former Minister of the Interior, Kajsa Ollongren, had investigated the implications of the Netherlands adopting either permanent summer or winter time. Her findings indicated that while winter time is healthier for humans, summer time is deemed safer for traffic. "For the health, it is important to align as much as possible with our natural time zone and also to maintain a permanent time," Ollongren stated, referring to insights from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
The energy savings attributed to daylight saving time have been described as "minimal," raising questions about the continued necessity of the practice. Chronobiologist Marijke Gordijn from the University of Groningen (RUG) emphasizes the negative health impacts of changing times. "Switching times is unhealthy. With a choice for a standard time, it is better to have more light in the morning," she explained. Gordijn advocates for adopting Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the most suitable time zone for the Netherlands, aligning with the biological rhythms of residents.
Despite the scientific backing for abolishing the time change, political inertia persists. Advocates like Annie Schreijer-Pierik, a member of the European Parliament from the CDA party, have been pushing for the issue to be addressed since 2014. "Brussels has agreed for years, so it needs to happen in The Hague," she remarked, highlighting the disconnect between EU decisions and local implementation. However, she acknowledged the lack of urgency in the current political climate, noting that "there are more pressing matters at hand in the Netherlands and the world."
As the clock moves forward this weekend, the wild management unit Hof van Twente is issuing warnings about the increased risk of wildlife collisions, particularly in the months of April and May. The shift in time means that the morning rush hour will overlap with the active periods of wild animals such as deer and wild boars. These creatures are oblivious to the human concept of time and follow their own biological rhythms.
The greatest risk of collisions is expected during the early morning hours between 5:00 and 7:00 AM and during the evening twilight between 9:00 and 11:00 PM. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, reduce their speed, and exercise caution in areas known for wildlife activity. In the unfortunate event of a collision with wildlife, individuals are advised to contact the police at 0900-8844 to report the incident, helping to mitigate both animal suffering and personal distress.
In conclusion, the transition to daylight saving time brings with it a mix of health concerns, safety warnings, and political challenges. As discussions around the future of timekeeping continue, the need for a resolution that balances public health, safety, and practicality becomes increasingly urgent. The annual clock change may be a simple act of adjusting time, but its implications resonate far beyond the ticking of the clock.
