Despite years of calls to abandon the time change procedure, in 2026 Poland and other European Union countries will remain in the current two-time system. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Agriculture has developed new guidelines for direct payments, aimed at making it easier for farmers' spouses to meet the definition of an active farmer. Additionally, climatologists predict extreme heat in the upcoming summer season, raising concerns about future harvests.
No Change to Time Change
In 2026, Poland remains in the system of changing from winter to summer time due to a lack of EU consensus.
New Subsidy Rules
The Ministry of Agriculture introduces facilitations for farmers' spouses, clarifying the status of an active farmer in applications for direct subsidies.
Temperature Forecasts
Climatologists predict a rise in the average temperature by 1.46 degrees, heralding extreme heatwaves in the summer of 2026.
Despite years of discussion at the EU level, the year 2026 will bring no changes regarding clock adjustments. Poland will continue to operate under the summer and winter time regime, meaning citizens will lose an hour of sleep as early as March. This procedure remains an obligation due to the lack of consensus among member states on the final shape of the reform. Although the topic regularly returns to public debate, logistical barriers and a lack of agreement in the Council of the European Union currently prevent abandoning this custom. The practice of changing time was widely introduced in Europe in the 1970s, aiming to save electricity during the oil crisis, though its effectiveness is now questioned.In the economic sphere, the agriculture ministry is preparing significant modifications. The new draft rules for direct payments for 2026 envisage facilitations for married couples running joint farms. A key change is the possibility for the second person in the family to demonstrate professional activity, which will help meet the requirement of an active farmer. The Ministry aims to clarify the information required in applications, which is intended to eliminate legal ambiguities in awarding funds. 1,46°C — Predicted increase in the global average temperature in 2026Simultaneously, experts warn of extreme weather phenomena. Climatological analyses indicate that the world's average temperature in 2026 will rise by approximately 1.46 degrees Celsius compared to reference periods. In Poland, this will translate into more frequent heatwaves exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and intense storm phenomena in July and August. Such forecasts pose a challenge for agriculture and energy infrastructure, requiring state administration to prepare adaptation plans. Zmiany w systemie wsparcia rolnictwa: Definition of an active farmer: Restrictive personal requirements → Possibility of support by spouse; Application for subsidies: Lack of precision in family data → Obligation to enter spouse's activity