The European Commission has decided to withdraw its 2018 directive proposal aimed at ending the biannual clock changes across the EU. The decision, which is not yet final, comes as a result of a prolonged deadlock within the Council of the European Union, according to European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen. The directive, initially introduced under former Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, was intended to abolish the seasonal time change following public consultations and citizen demands.
Despite being swiftly approved by the European Parliament, the proposal became stalled in the Council as member states failed to reach a consensus on whether to adopt permanent summer or winter time. The withdrawal of the time change directive is part of a broader simplification package—known as the "Omnibus"—championed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic complexity within the EU.
While the Commission has announced its intention to withdraw the directive, both the European Parliament and the Council now have the opportunity to express their opinions on the matter. Member states and MEPs will have a few months to submit their responses to the Commission in written form before a final decision is made. "It is not yet a definitive decision, but we will carefully consider their feedback before making a final determination," Itkonen said. The Commission expects to reach a conclusion within the coming months.
The initiative to end the seasonal clock changes was first introduced in 2018 after public consultations revealed strong support for scrapping the biannual shift. The proposal was particularly welcomed by countries such as Germany and Poland, which have shown greater interest in abolishing the practice. In contrast, southern European nations displayed less enthusiasm, contributing to the deadlock. Despite initial momentum, the proposal became mired in disagreement among the EU’s 27 member states, as they failed to agree on whether to adopt permanent summer or winter time.
With no consensus in sight, the directive was effectively sidelined, gathering dust for over five years. The potential withdrawal of the directive signals the end of any immediate efforts to end seasonal clock changes across the EU bloc. Unless a new initiative is introduced, the EU is likely to continue observing the twice-yearly shift between standard time and daylight saving time.
The next clock change in Europe is scheduled for Sunday, 30 March 2025, when most EU countries will move their clocks forward by one hour to daylight saving time. This cycle of biannual clock shifts has been a contentious issue across the continent, reflecting diverse opinions on how to best align societies with natural light.
The ongoing debate traces back to 2018 and has significant implications for millions of EU citizens. While many support a move towards a stable time system—be it permanent summer or winter time—divisions among member states have made reaching a consensus difficult. Indeed, countries in Central and Eastern Europe tend to favor the abolition of the clock changes, while nations in the south have shown hesitance to abandon the tradition.
Looking forward, the European Commission's readiness to engage with stakeholders might pave the way for eventual consensus. However, given the years of inaction and persistent lack of agreement, the prospects of reviving the directive appear slim. The complexities involved reflect not merely administrative concerns but also social behaviors and economic factors tied to seasonal time changes.
Ultimately, the fate of the biannual clock changes in the EU remains uncertain. As member states are invited to express their positions, the response from the European Parliament and the Council could significantly influence future discussions. Nevertheless, the Commission's current stance may indicate that the entrenched practice of shifting time is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
As the countdown to the next clock change approaches, citizens across Europe will be reminded of the ongoing complexities surrounding time management and the balance between tradition and modernity. The lack of consensus showcases how policy decisions can take years, if not decades, to resolve within the intricate machinery of the EU.
