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Will the EU stop changing the clocks?

A proposal from 2018 that is still on hold.

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Short answer

On 12 September 2018 the European Commission proposed to end the twice yearly clock changes, with each country free to choose its standard time. The European Parliament supported the proposal on 26 March 2019, but the Council of the EU has not finished its position, and both must agree before the rule can change. As of November 2026 the clocks still change, and the EU has published summer time dates up to 2031.

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Why

  1. Summer time in the EU is set by directive 2000/84/EC.
  2. A change needs agreement between the Parliament and the Council.
  3. Dates up to 2031 are already published.

Details

In the EU public consultation about 4.6 million people replied, and 84 % wanted to stop the clock changes.

Tip

Plan with the published dates for 2027 and 2028; they apply until a new rule is adopted.

What may differ

Until the Parliament and the Council agree, the current rules and the published dates stay in force.

Common misconception

Many think the EU already abolished summer time in 2019 or 2021.

What actually happens

2021 was the year the Parliament wanted, but without agreement in the Council nothing has changed.

People also ask

  • Does Denmark have daylight saving time?
  • When does summer time start in Denmark in 2027?
  • What time zone is Denmark in?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

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