Spain Pushes EU to End Daylight Saving Time Forever - Health and Energy Concerns Drive Historic Proposal

Spain Proposes Permanent End to Daylight Saving Time in the EU

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that Spain will formally propose to the European Union the permanent abolition of seasonal time changes across Europe, starting next year.

This landmark announcement comes just five days before the switch to winter time, highlighting Madrid's firm stance that the current system is outdated and unnecessary.

Why Spain Wants Change

According to the Spanish government, the twice-yearly clock changes no longer serve their original purpose of energy conservation. Sánchez emphasized on social media that altering the time "does not help save energy and has a negative impact on health and people's lives."

Public opinion strongly supports this move, with recent polls showing 66% of Spanish citizens oppose continuing the time adjustments.

Next Steps in the EU

Spain's next action will be to request the Energy Council to activate the appropriate review mechanism. This follows a 2019 European Parliament proposal to maintain a fixed time year-round, which stalled due to lack of consensus among member states on whether to adopt permanent winter or summer time.

Coordination with Neighbors

Madrid recognizes that any permanent time decision in Spain must be coordinated with Portugal and France to avoid disruptions in cross-border activities and harmonize regional timekeeping.

Upcoming Time Change Reminder

In the early hours of this Sunday, clocks in mainland Portugal and Madeira will fall back from 2:00 to 1:00, while in the Azores, time will change from 1:00 to midnight.