Spain pushes for EU-wide end to daylight saving time starting next year
The proposal from Spain to eliminate the biannual change in clocks has gained significant attention across Europe. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the initiative, emphasizing that many EU citizens share this sentiment. According to multiple surveys, most Europeans are in favor of abolishing daylight saving time.
Spain’s Push for Abolishing Daylight Saving Time
In a recent social media statement, Sánchez declared, “Frankly, I no longer see a reason for this.” He pointed out that shifting the clocks disrupts human biological rhythms twice a year without providing any real energy savings.
Context and Implications
Spain aims to eliminate the clock change by 2026. As of October 26, the clocks will revert by one hour, marking the end of Central European Summer Time (CEST). This clock change policy was first instituted in 1980 to enhance the use of daylight hours.
Public Opinion and Previous Commitments
A 2018 survey conducted by the European Commission revealed that 84% of EU citizens opposed the clock changes. At that time, the then-President of the Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, promised to address the issue and potentially end the practice.
Current Status of the Proposal
Despite past commitments, EU member states have yet to come to a consensus on whether to adopt permanent summer time or standard time observed during winter months. This indecision has left the future of daylight saving time uncertain for several years.
Summary of Key Points
- Spain is advocating for the abolition of daylight saving time.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasizes widespread EU support.
- 84% of EU citizens oppose the time change, according to a 2018 survey.
- The current clock change has been in place since 1980.
- A decision on the future of daylight saving time is still pending among EU countries.
