Discussions on abolishing the twice-yearly summer-winter time change in the European Union (EU) and switching to a single clock have gained momentum again. The latest news has brought the question of whether 2026 will be “the last year of the time change” to the agenda again. While the single hour practice, which was implemented in Türkiye in 2016, continues, the European public is divided on this issue. The idea of abolishing daylight saving time in the EU first came to the fore in 2018. Of the approximately 4.6 million people who participated in the European Commission’s opinion poll, 84 percent supported the abolition of time changes. The Commission then recommended ending the practice as of 2021; The European Parliament also voted in this direction in 2019. However, for the decision to come into force, member states had to reach a consensus.
WHY CAN’T THEY RECONCILE?
There is an extensive discussion on this issue in the European media. The basis of the disagreement lies in the question of which clock will be permanent when a single clock is switched. Northern and Central European countries generally advocate permanent winter time. A significant portion of Southern European countries want summer time to be permanent.. Experts were also divided on this issue. It is stated that different preferences may create “time fragmentation” and have a negative impact on trade.
WHO STANDS WHERE?
Irish MEP Seán Kelly, who is in the group advocating the end of time adjustment, said ending the practice would “simplify life for millions of people”. Finnish politician Anna-Maja Henriksson called the time changes “annoying and unnecessary” and called on the European Commission to take action.. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues that the current system’s contribution to energy saving is limited and has negative effects on health.
LET THIS YEAR BE THE LAST
Scientists and some civic initiatives also support the removal of change due to negative effects on biological rhythms. More than 200 institutions called the practice “outdated” and called for it to be removed by 2026. Some members of the European Parliament and expert groups have called for a roadmap to abolish the time change this year. demands.
Türkiye WAS THE REFERENCE
While discussions continue in the EU, Türkiye has abolished the summer-winter time change and switched to permanent summer time (GMT+3) since 2016. For this reason, the Turkish example is frequently referenced in discussions in Europe. Making the practice permanent in Türkiye is seen as a concrete example of “how switching to a single hour can have practical consequences” in discussions in the EU.. According to the data of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, savings in electricity consumption were achieved thanks to fixed summer time.
THE BUSINESS WORLD WAS SUITABLE
Benefiting more from daylight in the evening hours is seen as positive, especially in terms of trade and social life. A part of the business world stated that although the time difference with Europe increased in winter, harmony with the Middle East and Asia was strengthened. However, geographical differences across the continent, economic concerns and health debates make the decision process difficult.. Nordic countries argue that permanent summer time would lead to very late mornings during the winter months.
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