Efforts to End DST in the EU Have Stalled

In 2019, the European Parliament backed a proposal from the European Commission to abolish DST in EU member countries. However, by 2021, the proposal had stalled in the European Council due to practical challenges in its implementation. There hasn’t been any significant progress on the matter in recent years.

Europe’s time zones and DST schedule

In 2024, some 67 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) renewed efforts by urging the European Commission to revisit the issue, highlighting health risks and questioning the contemporary relevance of DST.

Possible Change in Ukraine

In July 2024, Ukraine’s parliament passed a law to eliminate the annual shift to DST. Although Ukraine is part of Europe, it is not a member of the European Union.

Current time in Ukraine

At the time of publishing this news story, the new law’s status remains “The law has been sent to the President of Ukraine for signature.” This status is still dated August 21, 2024.

Daylight Saving Time in Europe

European countries coordinate their time changes. Under current EU law, DST starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.

Countries that follow DST include:

• The European Union (EU), including Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain.
• Most other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland.

Countries that do not have DST include Russia, Iceland, and Belarus.

Current local times in Europe

Upcoming DST changes worldwide