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VIENNA – Central European Summer Time (CEST) comes to an end this weekend as clocks across Austria and much of Europe are set back by one hour, marking the return to standard time, commonly referred to as winter time.
The change takes place during the night from Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 3:00 a.m., clocks will be turned back to 2:00 a.m., giving residents an extra hour of sleep. Standard time will then remain in effect until the next clock change in March.
Why was daylight saving time introduced?
Daylight saving time was introduced in Europe during the 1970s energy crisis with the aim of making better use of daylight and reducing electricity consumption. France was among the first countries to adopt the system.
Austria decided to introduce daylight saving time in 1979, citing administrative considerations and the need to harmonize timekeeping arrangements with neighboring Germany and Switzerland. Those countries implemented the change in 1980.
Helpful ways to remember the change
Many people still struggle to remember whether clocks move forward or backward. Several popular memory aids exist:
- Garden furniture rule: In spring, furniture is moved out into the garden, so clocks move forward. In autumn, furniture is brought back inside, so clocks move back.
- 2-3-2 rule: In spring, the clock jumps from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.; in autumn it goes from 3 a.m. back to 2 a.m.
- The English expression: “Spring forward, fall back.”
British Columbia ends seasonal clock changes
While debate over seasonal clock changes continues in Europe, the Canadian province of British Columbia has taken action. The province advanced clocks for the final time on March 8, 2026, and will no longer participate in the biannual time change.
When winter time begins in much of Canada on November 1, clocks in cities such as Vancouver will remain unchanged. Most of British Columbia will now observe UTC−7 year-round, with provincial authorities citing reduced disruption for families and simpler planning for businesses.
Fresh push to abolish clock changes in the EU
More than 40 Members of the European Parliament from 15 EU countries, including Austria, have urged EU transport ministers to revive discussions on ending the seasonal clock change system.
The initiative, led by German MEP and physician Peter Liese, argues that the issue has stalled despite the European Parliament’s support for abolition several years ago. The lawmakers also point to concerns about the health effects of changing clocks twice a year.
The European Commission first proposed ending seasonal clock changes in 2018, and the European Parliament backed the proposal in 2019. However, EU member states have so far failed to reach a common position on whether permanent summer time or permanent standard time should apply.
European Commission preparing new study
The European Commission has announced that it will present a new study on the issue before the end of the year. According to the Commission, member states will ultimately need to decide whether they prefer to keep summer time or winter time permanently.
A qualified majority of EU countries and population representation would be required for any final agreement on abolishing the current system.
Austrians favor permanent summer time
Public support for ending the clock changes remains strong. A survey conducted by the Linz-based market research institute market found that 54% of respondents would prefer permanent summer time, while 26% support permanent winter time. Only 20% favor continuing the current system of changing clocks twice a year.
Among supporters of permanent summer time, the most frequently cited advantage was longer daylight in the evening. Other reasons included greater opportunities for outdoor activities, improved mood, and potential energy savings.
Concerns over health and sleep
Those opposed to the seasonal clock changes most commonly cite disruptions to the body’s natural rhythm. In the survey, 41% said the spring transition particularly affects their biological clock.
Respondents also noted that older people and young children often experience difficulties adapting to the time shift, while many reported temporary sleep disturbances and fatigue following the change.
Despite these concerns, nearly two-thirds of Austrians said they find it relatively easy or very easy to adjust to the new time after the clocks move forward in spring.
For now, however, the twice-yearly ritual continues, meaning that at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, clocks across Austria will be turned back by one hour and winter time will officially begin.
- source: kurier.at/picture: pixabay.com
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