Clocks moved ahead across Europe as dispute over daylight saving continues

Clocks across the Netherlands and other European countries moved forward by one hour early Sunday, marking the start of daylight saving time, while longstanding political and public debate over the practice remains unresolved. At 2:00 a.m., clocks were set ahead to 3:00 a.m., resulting in darker mornings and longer daylight in the evening.

Daylight saving time was introduced in 1977 to encourage more efficient use of natural light, with the aim of reducing reliance on electric lighting. The seasonal adjustment shifts daylight hours later into the evening, though it also delays sunrise.

Criticism of the time change persists. Opponents question whether the measure still delivers meaningful energy savings. Others report physical effects, arguing that the shift disrupts the human biological clock.

The issue has been under discussion in the European Union for years. A 2018 survey found that 84 percent of Europeans favored abolishing the clock changes. In response, a legislative proposal was introduced in September 2018 to end the practice.

Under the proposal, EU member states would be allowed to choose whether to adopt permanent summer or winter time. Although the European Parliament approved the measure in 2019, member states have yet to reach agreement. Some countries have called for additional research, expected to be completed later this year.

Daylight saving time will end in the last weekend of October, when clocks are set back one hour and winter time resumes. Winter time is considered the standard time.