Double-shifting watches within a year has long been controversial. Although the European Union's first plans were to abolish the change in time already in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine delayed these actions. presently Poland plans to keep the current practice of switching watches at least until 2026.
History and causes of time changes
The practice of changing time has been introduced to make better usage of natural daylight and energy savings. The shift of clocks by an hr forward in spring was expected to supply longer, bright evenings, which would theoretically reduce the power consumption for lighting. However, modern studies show that real savings are minimal or even nonexistent.
European Union actions and delays
In March 2019, the European Parliament voted to end the seasonal change in time by planning to abolish it in 2021. Each associate State was to decide whether to stay on summertime or winter time. Unfortunately, global crises, specified as the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent war in Ukraine, have shifted these plans to the background.
Position of Poland
In March 2022 Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki signed a regulation setting the dates for the change of time for the next 5 years, valid until 2026. This means that by then Poland will proceed the practice of switching watches. The next summertime change will take place on 30 March 2025, and return to winter time on 26 October 2025.
The impact of time changes on health
Research indicates that a change in time can negatively affect human health. Disturbed regular rhythm may lead to sleep problems, reduced concentration and increased hazard of road accidents. In addition, any studies propose an increase in the number of heart attacks immediately after a change in time.
A Social Attitude to Change Time
The public consultation conducted by the European Commission showed that as many as 84% of respondents were in favour of abolishing the seasonal change in time. Nevertheless, due to the deficiency of unanimity among associate States on the choice of a fixed time and the crises mentioned earlier, the decision has been postponed.
Potential consequences of abolishing time changes
Resigning from the shift of watches brings both benefits and challenges. On the 1 hand, this can improve the quality of sleep and the general well-being of citizens. On the another hand, the choice of fixed time (summer or winter) will affect the regular functioning, specified as working hours, school schedules or the availability of daylight at different times of the year.
What's next?
There is presently no concrete action to lift the change in time before 2026. This decision requires broad consultation at both national and EU level to guarantee consistency and minimise possible negative impacts on citizens and the economy.
Although the thought of giving up the change of time enjoys large social support, the current political and economical realities make Poland likely to proceed this practice at least until 2026. The final decision will depend on further findings at EU and national level, taking into account both wellness and socio-economic aspects.
Continued here:
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