European Union to Consider Abolishing Daylight Saving Time

The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the German ZDF network that “the people want that, and we will make it happen,” citing widespread support for the new time policy. EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc echoed that sentiment, claiming that 84 percent of the 4.6 million who took part in the EU Commission’s consultation are in favor of the proposal. The EU Parliament and member states would still need to approve the new policy, and may impose other changes to the system as well.

The time shift would mean darker mornings, but that seems to be a sacrifice EU citizens are willing to make for brighter and longer evenings.

There are, however, some potential complications that could result from the time change. It could mean that non-EU member Northern Ireland would run on a different time than the Republic of Ireland for seven months out of the year. The same could also be true of mainland Britain after Brexit. These are not insurmountable obstacles to the policy’s passage, but could generate some stubborn opposition, or affect the smoothness of the process.

H/T: CBC News