Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reopened the European debate on daylight saving time, arguing that the seasonal clock change no longer provides real energy savings and may harm public health.
Spain challenges the value of daylight saving time in Europe
In the night between Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, Italy switched back to standard time, ending seven months of daylight saving time. But with the return to winter hours, the debate reignites across Italy and Europe about whether maintaining the seasonal time shift still makes sense. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has recently reopened the issue at the European level, stating in a video on X that the biannual change “no longer makes sense” and “does not generate significant energy savings,” while also highlighting its negative effects on health.
His comments come as the European schedule regulating time changes (2022–2026) approaches expiration, reigniting a debate that seemed long settled. Spain, through Secretary of State for Energy Joan Groizard, requested that the issue be added to the agenda of today’s EU Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council in Luxembourg. The goal is to abolish the seasonal clock change, supported by a 2018 survey showing that 84% of European citizens favor a permanent modification.
Daylight saving time and energy savings: Terna reports €90 million saved in seven months
According to data published by Terna, during the seven months of daylight saving time, the Italian power system saved 310 million kWh, equivalent to the annual energy needs of around 120,000 households. The economic savings are estimated at over €90 million, while avoided CO₂ emissions reached 145,000 tons.
From 2004 to 2025, the cumulative benefit for Italy exceeds 12 billion kWh and €2.3 billion. However, analysts note that the real impact on overall electricity consumption remains limited: the summer schedule cuts only about 0.13% of annual energy use, a small percentage, yet still relevant for the environment.
Between energy savings and health: contrasting studies
Experts remain divided on the real impact of daylight saving time. The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) and the consumer group Consumerismo No Profit advocate for a permanent summer schedule and have even proposed a national referendum. According to their estimates, Italy could save 720 million kWh and €180 million annually, avoiding 200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
However, SIMA also warns of potential health risks from the time shift, as disruptions to circadian rhythms can affect blood pressure and heart rate. A study from Stockholm University found a 4% increase in heart attacks during the week following the clock change. Other research points to a slight rise in traffic and workplace accidents in the weeks after the time adjustment.
The origins of daylight saving time
The concept of daylight saving time dates back to World War I, when it was introduced to save coal. It returned during World War II and the 1970s oil crisis as a tool to limit consumption. In Europe, member states began coordinating their time changes in 1980, and the current directive has been in effect since 2001.
The logic is simple: by shifting the clock forward, people can take better advantage of natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening. Yet, recent analyses show that the benefits vary widely depending on latitude. In northern countries, where daylight hours fluctuate more drastically between seasons, the gains are smaller.
When standard time prevails: geographic and political differences
Not all countries observe daylight saving time. In the United States, for instance, Hawaii and Arizona have opted out, as have most African and Asian nations. In Europe, however, a shared system still applies: daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
In 2019, the European Parliament voted to end the biannual time change, but the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit halted implementation. Each member state was expected to choose between permanent summer or winter time. The proposal was dropped in 2025 due to lack of consensus.
Now, Spain’s new initiative brings the matter back to Brussels. To change the rules, the approval of at least 15 of the 27 member states, or 65% of the EU population, would be required. A distant but politically significant goal.
The numbers and limits of energy savings
Over time, data have shown that the energy savings from daylight saving time, though real, have diminished with more efficient systems and the growing share of renewable energy. According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, extending daylight saving time by four weeks reduced daily consumption by just 0.5%, a modest figure.
Conversely, other studies have found increased energy use in certain regions due to higher air conditioning demand in the evenings. In Italy, the most favorable sectors remain retail and leisure, which benefit from longer daylight hours, while agriculture and logistics are less enthusiastic.
The future of daylight saving time in Europe
Today, the issue intersects with Europe’s broader energy transition. As solar power expands and smart load management systems become widespread, the practical advantage of shifting the clock may fade further. Still, the topic remains cultural and social as much as technical: millions of Europeans view the clock change as a familiar seasonal ritual.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has announced a new study to reassess the costs and benefits, acknowledging that “this is an issue felt by millions of Europeans.” Meanwhile, Terna confirms that the 2025 results remain positive: €90 million saved and 145,000 tons of CO₂ avoided. For now, the sun remains an ally of energy efficiency.
