Time change 2026: When to set clocks forward

The time change will take place from the early hours of Sunday, March 29, as daylight saving time comes into effect.

Specifically, at 3:00 AM on that Sunday, clocks will be set forward by one hour to switch to daylight time. Thus, at 03:00 AM, the time will change to 04:00, as is customary every year. Daylight saving time will continue until Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The Debate over the dominance of daylight saving time

It is worth noting that the time change and implementation of daylight saving time have been causing significant discussions in the European Union in recent years.

The debate resurfaced in 2018 when the European Commission proposed the abolition of the time change, following a public consultation in which 84% of European citizens supported the permanent implementation of either daylight or winter time. However, due to the lack of unanimity among member states regarding which time to adopt, the issue remains open.

Arguments for abolishing the time change include health reasons, such as disruptions in sleep and daily performance. It is also argued that maintaining a stable time would improve well-being, while it could also benefit the environment and energy savings.

On the other hand, some believe that daylight saving time offers more daylight in the afternoon, supporting well-being and leisure, particularly during the summer months. The COVID-19 pandemic and other political priorities delayed discussions, and for now, no agreement has been reached on the permanent abolition of the time change. As a result, EU countries continue to change the time twice a year until further notice.

Why the time change happens

As early as 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested that the time change would result in energy savings. The wars, specifically during World War I, created a significant demand for energy, leading to the first implementation of the time shift, with Germany being the first country to move its clocks 60 minutes ahead in 1916. The UK and the US followed suit.

After World War I, the practice was deemed unnecessary and stopped. World War II brought back daylight saving time.

Greece had attempted to establish daylight saving time in 1932, but it was unsuccessful. The definitive establishment of daylight saving time in Greece occurred in 1975, along with other European countries.