In Poland and across the European Union, the perennial debate over the necessity of time changes persists, with clocks set to spring forward this year, coinciding with Easter. On the last Sunday of March, the EU collectively transitions to summer time, reverting to winter time on the last Sunday of October.
A Shared Discontent
The discourse surrounding time change within the EU has spanned several years. Public consultations conducted by the European Commission in 2018 revealed overwhelming support—84%—for abolishing the practice. This sentiment was echoed by Polish respondents, underscoring a widespread desire for change.
Poland’s Stance
Research from CBOS in March 2019 highlighted Polish frustration, with over three-quarters of respondents (78.3%) opposing biannual time changes. The majority favored adopting Central European Summer Time, reflecting a preference shared by more than 74% of adult Poles.
The Road Ahead
While the sentiment against time changes is clear, the path to reform remains uncertain. Despite public support, the decision ultimately rests with policymakers, who must navigate the complexities of EU coordination.