The switch to summer time began yesterday. At 2 am Central European Time (CET) the clocks were set forward to 3 am Central European Summer Time (CEST). With this change Germany entered its 47th season of daylight‑saving time since the reform was re‑introduced in 1980, and most European countries also adjust their clocks. Exceptions are Iceland, the Moscow time zone, and Turkey, which do not observe the shift.
Many people view the change as a simple extension of evening daylight, while critics argue that it only moves evening time earlier. Polls have shown that the adjustment is unpopular. The original rationale for daylight saving was to save energy by making better use of natural light, but experts say the energy‑savings effect is now negligible.
The European Union began working on abolishing daylight‑saving time years ago, but progress has stalled. Even if Brussels were to agree on abolition, it would likely take several years before implementation. In Germany, politicians continue to call for an end to the time change, but nothing has moved forward. Last fall the Bundestag even considered a bill from the AfD faction to abolish summer time; while almost all other parties indicated support, the AfD’s proposal was not put to a vote.
Central Europe will again set the clocks back one hour on 25 October.