Brussels will carry out a study on the impact of abolishing the time change as Sánchez requests in the absence of consensus in the EU

Although Spain had until now remained in a discreet background in this debate, the President of the Government stepped forward this Monday with a surprise request to definitively put an end to the time change in Europe in 2026 in order to protect “biological rhythms” and because it is “negative for health.”

Sánchez’s request was raised this Monday at the EU Energy Council by the deputy permanent ambassador of Spain, Oriol Scaleswho highlighted that the time change barely generates a saving of 6 euros per household per year.

“These savings are negligible, while the associated costs for health and well-being outweigh any possible benefits,” indicated the ambassador.

In a brief public debate in the miscellaneous points section, Poland and Finland have supported Spain’s request to reactivate the debate to abolish the time changewhile the rest of the countries have remained silent. The change must be approved by a qualified majority of the Member States.

The end of the time change would produce “good effects on people’s physical health, especially in dark countries like Finland,” said the representative of that Nordic country.

“The Commission continues to consider that ending the twice-yearly time change is the most logical option for the future,” said the head of Energy, Dan Jørgensen, in his response to Spain’s request.

Given the absolute blocking of this file, In February of this year, Brussels considered withdrawing its legislative proposalbut after speaking with the Member States and the European Parliament, he has decided to make a new attempt.

“Although this seasonal change of time is not among the main priorities of the EU political agenda, it is an issue that resonates with millions of European citizens,” argued the Energy Commissioner.

The 2018 Brussels proposal arose from a public consultation that received a record number of 4.6 million responses, which revealed a “strong desire for change”, as he recalled.

“The Commission has decided to respond to the request of the Member States to carry out a more in-depth analysis. It is planned that a study will soon be launched to support decision-making on this matter,” he announced. Jørgensen.

The Community Executive will continue to support the work of the Governments and the European Parliament in the search for a “common position” on this matter. However, the commissioner has made it clear that “ltime changes will continue until the co-legislators formally adopt a decision.