Irish MEP Seán Kelly Leads Renewed Push to End Europe’s ‘Outdated’ Clock Change System​

Irish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Seán Kelly is spearheading a fresh push for the European Union to put an end to its biannual clock change practice, labeling the move as both "outdated" and counterproductive in the modern world. Kelly, who has long been an advocate of abolishing the time change, is rallying both policymakers and the public to reconsider and act on a proposal that, despite widespread public approval, has been left unresolved for years.

The debate over clock changes — moving clocks forward one hour in spring and back in autumn to maximize daylight — has been ongoing in Europe for years, with strong arguments for and against the practice. While the idea was originally introduced to save energy, boost productivity, and align with agricultural needs, critics now argue that the drawbacks far outweigh the benefits in today’s society.

Public Support and EU Stagnation​

In 2018, the European Commission conducted a public consultation on the issue, yielding a resounding response: 84% of the 4.6 million respondents voted in favor of scrapping clock changes entirely. The consultation highlighted growing public dissatisfaction, with people citing disruptions to sleep cycles, negative health impacts, and increased risks of accidents and stress during time shifts.

The European Parliament took this public feedback seriously, initially aiming to abolish the clock change by 2021. But since then, the proposal has faced delays, largely due to member states' struggles to agree on which time standard — summer or winter time — to adopt permanently. Without consensus, the process has stalled, and the biannual time changes continue.

Kelly argues that the indecision is both unnecessary and unhelpful. "The people of Europe have spoken," he stated in a recent address, "and it’s high time we act on their wishes. The twice-yearly clock change is an outdated relic, and its drawbacks are too significant to ignore any longer."

Health and Well-being at the Forefront​

At the heart of Kelly’s argument to eliminate clock changes is health and well-being. The impact of the clock change on human circadian rhythms has been a topic of concern among health experts, who point out that time changes disrupt natural sleep cycles and contribute to various health issues. A growing body of research links clock changes with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, studies have shown an increase in car accidents and workplace injuries in the days following time changes, attributed to disrupted sleep and fatigue.

Kelly emphasizes that eliminating the clock change would contribute to a more stable lifestyle and healthier populations. “Our bodies do not adapt easily to sudden time changes. It’s a shock to the system that we subject ourselves to twice a year,” he said. “By removing this arbitrary adjustment, we can align our clocks with our natural rhythms and make a positive impact on the well-being of millions.”

Economic and Environmental Arguments​

Supporters of ending clock changes also highlight economic and environmental benefits. When the time change was first introduced in the early 20th century, energy conservation was a key motivator, with countries aiming to maximize daylight to reduce artificial lighting costs. However, modern lifestyles, energy-efficient lighting, and 24/7 economies have made these savings largely obsolete.

A 2019 study from the European Parliament's Research Service estimated that abolishing the clock change would lead to little to no difference in energy consumption across Europe. With the evolution of energy usage, Kelly and his fellow advocates argue that the time change has outlived its utility.

In addition, Kelly points out that the clock change imposes unnecessary complexity on businesses, particularly those involved in transportation, logistics, and finance. Airlines, for example, have to adjust schedules twice a year to accommodate time changes across countries, which adds to operational costs and complications. Eliminating the time shift would simplify cross-border operations within the EU, creating smoother transitions for travelers and businesses alike.

Ireland's Unique Position and Potential Challenges​

Ireland faces a particularly complex situation in the debate. If the EU adopts the change but the UK, including Northern Ireland, decides to keep the clock shift, Ireland would experience a time zone split with its closest neighbor for part of the year. This could create logistical and economic challenges, particularly for border communities, trade, and tourism.

Kelly acknowledges this potential issue but remains optimistic that a workable solution can be found. He believes that any decision to end clock changes should involve coordinated discussions with neighboring countries. "If we can harmonize this shift, both within the EU and with the UK, we’ll enhance convenience, improve consistency, and make this change with minimal disruption," he remarked.

The prospect of Ireland potentially being an hour out of sync with the UK has sparked some public debate and mixed reactions, with certain groups and individuals expressing concern over the potential impact on cross-border relations, particularly for communities that frequently commute between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What’s Next for the Campaign?​

With Kelly reinvigorating the push to end the clock change, he hopes to put the issue back on the EU’s agenda and see concrete action. He’s calling for renewed discussions among EU member states, emphasizing the urgency of implementing the long-awaited change. “We’ve had enough delays. It’s time for the EU to make good on its promises and provide clarity for European citizens,” Kelly stressed.

The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism is expected to take up the issue in its next session, where members will discuss the latest proposal. Kelly plans to address the committee and advocate for a clear timeline on ending the clock change, with hopes that member states will finally reach a consensus.

Moving Toward a Time-Free Future​

As Europe stands at a crossroads on the issue, Kelly's campaign seeks to underscore that eliminating the clock change aligns with the values of health, stability, and simplicity. For him, the time has come to put an end to this “outdated ritual” and embrace a future in which Europeans can enjoy a consistent year-round schedule without the added stress of shifting clocks.

If Kelly’s campaign succeeds, each EU country will have the autonomy to decide whether to adopt permanent summer or winter time, a compromise that could allow for cultural and regional differences to shape how time is observed across Europe. While reaching a consensus among EU member states will be no small feat, Kelly remains hopeful that the effort to improve well-being and modernize time standards will ultimately prevail.

"The world has changed dramatically since the clock change was first introduced," Kelly said in a closing statement. "It’s time our clocks did too."