Overview
- In the night of October 25–26, 2025, clocks in EU countries will be set back from 3:00 to 2:00 to start winter time.
- A European Council spokesman said no concrete steps were taken in the first half of 2025 and indicated the practice is likely to continue.
- The EU’s 2018 survey found 84% favored ending clock changes, and Parliament backed a proposal in 2019, but member states have not agreed on a single permanent time.
- Geographic differences across Europe complicate a uniform choice, with western cities facing very late winter sunrises under permanent summer time and northern/eastern regions losing light in summer evenings under permanent standard time.
- Most smartphones and radio-controlled clocks switch automatically, while many analog and older digital devices—such as ovens, basic alarm clocks, and older car radios—require manual adjustment; health insurers and motoring groups also flag short-term sleep issues and higher wildlife collision risks after the change.