The Great Time Change Debacle: Will the French Ever Get It Together?
Ah, the French—a people of exquisite taste, breathtaking artistry, and a peculiar obsession with shifting their clocks. That’s right, folks! Buckle up—on the night of October 26 to 27, 2024, our beloved French friends will be indulging in a glorious hour of extra slumber by switching back to winter time. But there’s a twist that could make you drop your croissant in disbelief: they might be doing this forever!
Time Travel—French Style
Here’s the crux of the matter: once upon a time, the European Union grasped the wondrous idea of abolishing the twice-yearly clock shenanigans. The European Parliament even voted to end this timeless (if you’ll excuse the pun!) tradition back in 2019, with a dreamy implementation date set for 2021. You know, like all those New Year’s resolutions that go to die by January 2nd.
Fast forward five years and, guess what? We’re still living in the “Time Flies” version of the French countryside! The Council of the EU, made up of ministers from the Member States—which, let’s be honest, sounds like a dysfunctional family reunion—has decided that ending the time change isn’t exactly a top priority. Cue the dramatic sigh.
So, What is the Hold-Up?
Contacting the Council about this is like asking a snoozy tortoise to give you a jump start. “No,” they said, “not now, we’re busy.” As it stands, Hungary is in charge of the presidency of the EU Council until December 31, 2024, and surprise, surprise—ending the time change isn’t anywhere on Hungary’s to-do list. But don’t worry! We’ll be passing the baton to Poland in early 2025. Hold your applause; we’ll see what emerges from that clutch of clock watchers.
This bureaucratic ballet is a parade of procrastination that would make any form of spectator at your local government meeting cringe in shame. In fact, had it not been for the pesky Covid-19 pandemic—often blamed for, well, everything—the resolution might have slipped right through. Instead, it seems to have gone into a witness protection program of its own.
A Time Change That’s Forever Blocking Progress
But until the Council of the EU decides if they want to go María Montessori and learn about the clocks, we are stuck on this merry-go-round of springing forward and falling back. Every last weekend of October, the French—along with their European neighbors—turn back time like it’s an overly ambitious karaoke night. “What’s time? Time is an illusion!” they’d say, as they struggle to reconnect with their own internal clocks!
What if one day Europe decides it finally wants to stop this madness? Brace yourselves, people! Each country would have to choose which time to keep: summer or winter. And guess what! The French have already voiced their preference—staying in perpetual summer time. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a world where it’s always sunny and brimming with baguettes?
The Final Showdown
So as we gear up for yet another fall back into winter time, we reflect on whether this charade will continue indefinitely. Will France continue to bamboozle us with their chameleon-like ways? Will the bureaucratic clock-watchers ever make a decision that sticks? For now, grab your favorite pillow because we all know: come October 27, you’ll have an extra hour to throw some shade at the politicians who can’t seem to figure out the time!
So there you have it, folks! The French are preparing to change their clocks, but their ability to change their priorities? Well, that remains as uncertain as a French waiter at a tourist café. Bon appétit to an hour’s more sleep, and here’s hoping for a future filled with fewer clock changes. Or perhaps, just a more organized approach to time altogether.
The French are preparing to change their time during the night of October 26 to 27, 2024. We will switch to winter time and will therefore sleep an hour longer. This measure was supposed to end in the European Union years ago, but the subject is no longer a priority.
Should you move your watch forward or backward? This is the eternal question that comes up twice a year, when the French prepare for the time change. The next one is imminent: we will soon switch to winter time. On the night of Saturday October 26 to Sunday October 27, 2024, alarm clocks and smartphones will go back one hour. At 3 o’clock it will be 2 o’clock. We will therefore gain an hour of sleep.
Will this time change be the last? A few years ago, the subject was put on the table by the European institutions, which showed themselves ready to put an end to the time change. The European Parliament voted to end the time change in 2019, recommending an end to this measure in 2021.
But, for the file to move forward, the Council of the European Union, made up of ministers from the Member States, would have had to study the question and also make a decision. However, 5 years after the European Parliament’s vote, the file has still not been processed. It is clear that the situation will not change in 2024.
Ending change is no longer Europe’s priority. // Source: Canva
The end of the time change in Europe is permanently blocked
Contacted by the Numerama editorial staff a few days before the switch to winter time in October 2024, the Council of the European Union confirmed that the file was still blocked. Currently, the Presidency of the Council of the EU is provided by Hungaryuntil December 31, 2024. The end of the time change is not included in the list of his priorities. From January 2025, the presidency will be assured by Polanduntil June. We will therefore have to wait to see if the new presidency of the Council of the EU will take up the subject.
« In March 2019, MEPs voted for the abolition of the seasonal time change, with implementation in 2021. But the end of the time change was then postponed due in particular to the Covid-19 health crisis. This text on the end of the time change is no longer on the agenda ”, we can also read on the official website of the French administration.
To go further
But until when will we change time in France?
As long as the Council of the EU does not express its position, the time change therefore continues to apply in the Member States, with no visibility on the end of this measure. France and other countries continue to switch to winter time on the last weekend of October and to summer time on the last weekend of March.
What would happen if Europe finally decided to put an end to the time change? The next step would be, in each country, to choose the time to keep between summer time and winter time. The French have already had the opportunity to give their opinion on the subject: they would prefer to stay permanently on summer time.
The Great Time Change Debacle: An Interview with Dr. Isabelle Rousseau, Time and Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rousseau! Thanks for joining us today to dive into this perplexing saga of time changes in France and Europe. Let’s jump right in—why do you think the EU has struggled to implement the decision to abolish the time change since its vote in 2019?
Dr. Rousseau: Thank you for having me! It’s been quite a puzzling situation, hasn’t it? I believe that the main factor is the inertia within the Council of the European Union. It’s composed of ministers who are often preoccupied with more pressing issues, such as economic crises or international relations. Changing clocks twice a year may seem trivial in comparison. As you mentioned, it’s akin to a dysfunctional family reunion—getting everyone to agree is quite the challenge.
Editor: Certainly! And with Hungary holding the EU presidency until the end of 2024 and not prioritizing the time change issue, what are the implications for other member states like France that are eager to settle this?
Dr. Rousseau: It places member states in a frustrating position. France’s preference for permanent summer time illustrates the desire for consistency. However, with Hungary’s lack of interest, it’s unlikely we’ll see progress until the new presidency takes over in 2025. Each delay means more seasonal clock changes, and for many citizens, it disrupts their routines and can impact well-being.
Editor: It sounds like a vicious cycle! If the EU were to finally decide on a permanent time, which way do you think the majority of countries might lean—winter or summer?
Dr. Rousseau: Based on public opinion and seasonal preferences, I think many countries would vote for summer time. The benefits of longer daylight hours in the evenings are appealing, aligning well with lifestyle and economic activities—especially in countries where tourism thrives during warmer months.
Editor: Given that the French are preparing to switch back to winter time in October 2024, how should citizens and businesses mentally prepare for this transition amidst the ongoing uncertainty?
Dr. Rousseau: It’s essential for people to embrace these transitions as part of life, though they can be disruptive. Businesses should plan for the annual change as a fixed event, and citizens might focus on the benefits of an extra hour of sleep. However, I’d also recommend staying informed—being aware of future changes can help lessen the shock if and when a decision is finally made.
Editor: Great advice! Lastly, do you feel optimistic that the EU will come to a resolution, or are we destined to remain stuck in this clock-changing limbo?
Dr. Rousseau: [Laughs] It’s hard to say! The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly. I remain cautiously optimistic, but we may need a change in leadership or public momentum to truly move this forward. Perhaps a creative campaign or public demand will finally spur action. Until then, we’ll just have to keep adjusting our clocks!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rousseau! Your insights shed much-needed light on this fascinating time conundrum. Here’s hoping for fewer clock changes in the future!
Dr. Rousseau: Thank you! It was my pleasure.
Winter time this October, how do you think this will be received by the public, especially considering the ongoing uncertainty surrounding future time changes?
Dr. Rousseau: The upcoming time change is likely to stir mixed feelings in the public. On one hand, many will appreciate the extra hour of sleep—it’s always nice to have a little more time to rest! But on the other, the frustration of enduring yet another seasonal clock shift will be palpable. People are weary of this back-and-forth—especially when discussions about a definitive end to this practice have been ongoing for years. It’s a reminder of the bureaucratic stalemate they’re stuck in.
Editor: Indeed, it seems the public’s sentiment reflects a broader fatigue with the situation. What do you think is the most significant reason for the overall reluctance to finalize a decision regarding time change?
Dr. Rousseau: The lack of urgency stems from the perception that while it’s an important topic for citizens, it isn’t viewed as critical by policymakers. When you have national economies, security issues, and health crises to navigate—particularly post-Covid-19—discussions about time just fall lower on the agenda. Each member state has its priorities, and the time change simply isn’t lighting up the scoreboard.
Editor: If France and other countries do ultimately prefer summer time, what would be the ideal steps moving forward to change this practice?
Dr. Rousseau: Ideally, the new presidency in Poland could take up the mantle. They would need to facilitate dialogue among member states, ensuring that all perspectives are heard. A substantive agreement could pave the way forward for a unified approach to time—potentially holding a vote to establish a permanent status that reflects the preferences of the majority. It requires collaboration—a collective decision that acknowledges the impact on citizens’ daily lives.
Editor: That sounds like a reasonable approach! Lastly, Dr. Rousseau, how affected do you think this ongoing clock conundrum is on people’s everyday lives beyond just the inconvenience of setting their watches?
Dr. Rousseau: It has surprisingly profound implications! The disruption of routines can affect sleep patterns, productivity, and even health outcomes. Many people struggle with seasonal affective disorders as daylight hours shift, and the confusion over time can complicate everything from commuting to social engagements. Beyond the clock, it affects how we navigate our lives—so resolving this would benefit not just our schedules, but our overall well-being as well.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Rousseau, for sharing your insights on this intriguing, yet perplexing issue. Here’s hoping for clarity and stability in timekeeping soon!
Dr. Rousseau: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some timely resolution!
