HomeWorldMEPs call for seasonal clock changes to be scrapped

MEPs call for seasonal clock changes to be scrapped

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A group of cross-party MEPs have called on the European Commission to scrap the biannual clock change.

Clocks are due to go back one hour on Sunday at 2am.

However, in a letter to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen MEPs argue that the current system of changing the clocks twice a year is “outdated and poses well-documented risks to health, safety, and overall well-being”.

A total of 67 MEPs from several different groups in the parliament have signed the letter, which was written by Irish MEP Seán Kelly.


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The letter states that the clock change can “negatively impact sleep patterns, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and lead to a spike in traffic accidents”.

A proposal to allow member states to discontinue time change was supported by the European Parliament in 2019, however, it never got final sign by the European Council, comprising member states, and therefore did not become law.

Seán Kelly has urged Ursula on der Leyen to put the debate around the biannual clock change “back on the political agenda for the upcoming parliamentary term”.

At present member states are required by law to change the clocks twice a year in order to make use of natural light.

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