Daylight Saving Time Change in 2026 to Occur Earlier Than in Previous Years

The upcoming transition to Daylight Saving Time in 2026 will proceed according to long-standing tradition and current European Union regulations. Although lively discussions about abolishing this obligation have been taking place on the international stage for years, the European Commission has maintained the current rules at least until the end of 2026. The time change mechanism in Poland is regulated by Directive 2000/84/EC and a regulation by the Prime Minister. Poland, like other community countries, will move the clocks on the last Sunday of March. Opponents of time changes raise numerous arguments regarding the negative impact on public health. Doctors point to a phenomenon similar to "jet lag," which in sensitive individuals can last up to two weeks. There are studies suggesting a temporary increase in cardiovascular incidents immediately after the spring change. Experts also emphasize that the original economic goal of saving electricity has lost its justification in the modern economy based on different consumption patterns. Additionally, the time change involves complications in international transport and the need to adjust settlements for workers performing duties on night shifts. The mass introduction of Daylight Saving Time in Europe occurred during the oil crisis in the 1970s, when countries sought ways to reduce energy consumption through better use of daylight.Despite social opposition—according to polls, 84% of Europeans are in favor of abandoning clock adjustments—legislative work was suspended in 2018 due to a lack of consensus among member states and the outbreak of the pandemic. Currently, local initiatives, such as those proposed by PSL, or announcements by the Polish government about analyzing permanent time, raise hopes for a swift end to this ritual. However, the autumn return to standard time on the night of October 24 to 25, 2026, is already formally scheduled.