Why Europe's changing of the clocks 'no longer makes sense'

"Kickstarting the discussion in the parliament in Strasbourg, EU transport chief Apostolos Tzitzikostas told lawmakers clock changes should end and vowed the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, remained focused on the issue. "The commission has decided to undertake further analysis through a detailed study that we are working on right now, to support future decision making on this issue," he said. "My goal is to move forward. The time has come to finally stop the seasonal changes of time every year," he added."

"Research shows moving the clock back and forth in autumn and spring hurts the economy as well as people's health. Previous reform plans floated by Brussels have suggested letting each member state decide whether to stay year-round on either winter or summer time. Tzitzikostas said the current system "affects us all, frustrates most, and even I would say harms people." Following the 1970s oil crisis, the practice of moving the clocks forward in spring was implemented to save energy."

The European Union proposed ending biannual clock changes in 2018, but opposition from some member states stalled implementation. EU executive proposals require approval from both the European Parliament and member states. Lawmakers revived the debate ahead of clocks going back as the Commission undertakes a detailed study to inform future decisions. Research links clock shifts to negative effects on the economy and public health. Earlier reform options would allow each member state to adopt permanent winter or summer time. The daylight-saving practice began after the 1970s oil crisis and now yields little clear energy savings while complicating energy and transport coordination across the bloc.

Read at The Local France