Poland Prepares For Major Clock Change In March 2025

The annual switch to summer time in Poland will take place on the night of March 29 to March 30, 2025. At 2 AM on March 30, clocks will be set forward to 3 AM, resulting in a loss of one hour of sleep but longer daylight in the evenings. This change has been a part of Polish life since its first introduction in 1919, with the idea being to make better use of daylight and reduce electricity consumption.

The concept of changing the clocks stems back to World War I, when the practice was adopted widely to save energy. In Poland, the time change has been permanently in effect since 1977, creating a biannual adjustment that many have come to expect annually. However, in recent years, the practicality of this tradition has come under scrutiny, particularly within the European Union, where discussions regarding the abolishment of the time switch have intensified.

In October 2024, the Polish government indicated it would strive to maintain summer time permanently following the March 2025 adjustment. This aims to eliminate the disruptions caused by changing clocks, which may lead to fatigue, irritability, and various health concerns, including potential spikes in heart-related issues among the elderly.

This biannual clock adjustment raises questions about not only personal well-being but also economic impact. Proponents of maintaining the time changes argue for the benefits that come with it, such as reduced electricity usage and increased economic activity thanks to longer evenings. However, critics highlight the negative health effects and stress that come with adjusting to a new time.

Recent public consultations conducted by the European Commission showed that 84% of respondents wish to abolish time changes, marking a significant push against the current system. In a survey by CBOS in 2019, about 80% of Poles expressed their desire to see an end to the tradition of moving the clocks. Yet, despite these insights, changes have yet to be formalized at the EU level, and any removal of the time change will not take effect before 2026 at the earliest.

Adding to the uncertainty, health experts warn that the sudden shift can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to what’s commonly referred to as mini-jet lag. Symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and even increased irritability often manifest after the transition to summer time. Elizabeth Klerman, a neurology professor at Harvard Medical School, stated, “Your biological clock is tied to (natural) light, not to the clock on your wall. There’s no evidence that your body fully adjusts to the new time.”

The upcoming time shift is not just a routine update; it encapsulates an ongoing debate questioning the utility of such practices in the modern era. What started as a wartime energy-saving measure has transformed into a point of contention with widespread implications for daily living and well-being.

As Poland prepares for the upcoming transition, the public remains divided on whether this will indeed be the last clock change, with many hoping that the government will heed the growing calls to maintain a single year-round time. The once obligatory switch might soon be seen as a remnant of a bygone era, making way for a more streamlined approach that prioritizes health and modern efficiency.