On March 30, 2025, nations across Europe, including Germany, Italy, and Portugal, adjusted their clocks forward by one hour, marking the beginning of daylight saving time. This semi-annual ritual, which occurs on the last Sunday of March, is designed to maximize daylight during the warmer months, impacting daily schedules and travel plans for millions.
The change took place at 2 a.m. in most of Europe, with clocks jumping directly to 3 a.m. In Portugal, the transition occurred at 1 a.m., advancing to 2 a.m. local time. This shift, referred to as “ora legale” in Italy, affects everything from work hours to flight schedules, requiring residents and travelers alike to adjust their routines accordingly.
Daylight saving time, first introduced in Germany during World War I as a measure to conserve energy, has a long and contentious history. Its primary aim was to extend natural light into the evening hours, particularly during spring and summer. However, in recent years, the efficacy of this time change has been called into question. Critics argue that the energy savings are minimal, especially given advancements in technology and changes in energy consumption patterns.
Despite the ongoing debates regarding its relevance, the European Union (EU) continues to uphold the tradition, coordinating its 27 member states to maintain harmony across time zones. The practice is scheduled to end on October 26, 2025, when clocks will revert to standard time.
The controversy surrounding daylight saving time has intensified in recent years. In 2018, the EU conducted a public consultation, with nearly 4 million citizens expressing support for abolishing the practice. Following this, the European Parliament approved a plan to phase it out by 2021, but implementation has stalled due to disagreements among member states.
Poland, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, plans to revisit the issue, acknowledging the opposition within the bloc. "We are planning to informally consult member states to see whether it is still feasible to take the proposal forward," stated the Polish presidency. As the clock is ticking, they aim to assess the situation thoroughly.
Countries such as Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Uruguay have already scrapped daylight saving time in the past decade. Egypt also eliminated the practice in 2014, only to reintroduce it in 2023 in an effort to save energy.
As daylight saving time begins, it brings immediate effects on routines and travel plans. For instance, in Portugal, sunrise shifts from around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., while in Italy and Germany, daylight extends until about 8 p.m. in the days following the change. Travelers with early flights or train schedules are advised to double-check their arrangements to avoid delays.
Financial markets are also affected by this time shift. Traders on European exchanges, such as Euronext and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, must recalibrate their strategies in light of the one-hour adjustment, which can influence dealings with global markets in New York and Tokyo.
Historically, daylight saving time was reintroduced during the oil crisis of the 1970s to conserve energy. However, recent studies suggest that the energy savings achieved through the practice have diminished significantly, with estimates dropping from 1% in the 1970s to around 0.3% today.
The health impacts of daylight saving time are also a topic of concern. Research indicates that up to 20% of people experience difficulty adjusting to the time change, leading to increased fatigue and a rise in traffic accidents. Conversely, sectors like tourism and retail often benefit from the longer evenings, which encourage outdoor spending.
As Europe grapples with the future of daylight saving time, the debate continues to be divisive. Supporters highlight the potential energy savings and benefits for trade, while opponents argue that the disruptions to biological rhythms and adaptation costs outweigh any advantages. Some nations, like Italy, have explored adopting a single time year-round, but no definitive decisions have been made.
In a broader context, the EU's coordination of daylight saving time serves to facilitate trade and logistics among member states. However, regional variations still exist, with countries in different time zones adjusting their clocks at different times. For instance, nations in UTC, like Portugal, adjust at 1 a.m., while those in UTC+1, such as Spain and France, do so at 2 a.m.
Looking ahead, the fate of daylight saving time remains uncertain. The pandemic in 2020 shifted priorities away from this issue, delaying any consensus on its future. Countries like France and Spain advocate for permanent daylight saving time, while others, like Finland and Poland, prefer to maintain standard time year-round. Coordination among member states presents the biggest challenge, as a lack of agreement could lead to fragmented time zones, complicating transport and trade.
For now, residents across Europe will continue to adapt to the annual clock changes. In cities like Rome, locals can enjoy extended spring evenings, while open-air cafés in Berlin thrive as daylight stretches into the night. The March 30 shift remains an annual fixture, shaping the rhythm of life across the continent.
As the debate continues, key dates for 2025 are set: daylight saving time will start on March 30 and end on October 26, with a duration of 210 days. This cycle reflects Europe’s ongoing effort to align daylight with human activity, despite the lingering challenges and discussions surrounding its future.
