Overview
- A growing global trend has ended semiannual clock changes in most places so that only about 70 countries still switch their clocks twice a year.
- Europe remains an exception and will set clocks back one hour on the night of October 24–25, 2026 when summer time ends and winter (standard) time begins.
- Chronobiologists and medical experts argue that permanent standard time is healthier for sleep and circadian rhythm than permanent summer time or continuing the twice‑yearly change.
- Several nations have acted unilaterally in recent years by fixing their clocks—examples include Japan (no DST since 1951), China (single standard time since 1991), Brazil (ended DST in 2019) and Mexico (ended DST in 2022)—creating a patchwork of time rules worldwide.
- Policymakers cite weak or mixed evidence that daylight saving saves energy, and the EU impasse raises practical risks for cross‑border trade, transport schedules and daily life unless member states reach a coordinated solution.