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OPINION (COM(2018)0639 – C80408/2018 – 2018/0332(COD))

On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council discontinuing seasonal changes of time and repealing Directive 2000/84/EC

ENVI-AD-631995

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety · Rapporteur: Bolesław G. Piecha

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The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety gives its opinion on the Commission proposal to discontinue seasonal changes of time and repeal Directive 2000/84/EC. It proposes amendments that add health, animal welfare, energy and geographical considerations to the recitals, and that push the start date from 2019 to 2020. It asks Member States to consult each other and the Commission before deciding on a standard time, and to designate one representative for that consultation. It requires the Commission to inform the public without delay after receiving all notifications, and to report on implementation seven years after adoption.

Committee position. The committee calls on the Committee on Transport and Tourism to take into account its amendments, which add health, animal welfare, energy and geographical considerations, require consultation among Member States, and postpone the application date to 2020.

Key points

  1. The committee states that the Commission examined evidence pointing to the importance of harmonised Union rules for the internal market, long-termism and predictability, but that evidence is not fully conclusive.
  2. It notes that 4.6 million citizens responded to the Commission's open consultation, with a clear majority opposing seasonal changes, 43% citing health and 20% lack of energy savings, and that seventy percent of participants came from one Member State.
  3. It adds that Member States should consider natural time zones and geographical position before changing time zones, and should consult citizens and stakeholders.
  4. It records that summer time has enabled later sunsets, and that a reversion to standard time would make summer sunsets an hour earlier.
  5. It cites studies linking the switch to summer time with heart attacks, disrupted body rhythm, sleep deprivation, lack of concentration, accidents, lower life satisfaction and suicide rates, while noting positive long-term effects of longer daylight.
  6. It states that chronobiology shows any time change affects the human biorhythm, that children and older people are particularly vulnerable, and that the springtime change is linked to higher rates of ischemic strokes and cardiovascular diseases.
  7. It adds that seasonal changes of time harm animal welfare, for example reducing cows' milk production in agriculture.
  8. It notes that energy savings from seasonal changes may be marginal and not present in every Member State, and may be outweighed by increased heating consumption.
  9. It requires Member States to agree on a possible change in standard time in consultation with other Member States, adopt a harmonised approach where possible, and notify the Commission in due time.
  10. It requires Member States to coordinate on standard times, consult among themselves and with the Commission, and each designate one representative for that consultation.
  11. It moves the application date to 30 March 2020, with the last summer-time period starting at 1.00 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time on 30 March 2020 and standard time changes at 1.00 a.m. on 25 October 2020.
  12. It requires the Commission to inform the public without delay after receiving all notifications, and to report on implementation by seven years after adoption, with Member States providing information by the same deadline.

Who is affected

  • Member States, which must consult each other and the Commission before changing standard time and notify their intentions.
  • Citizens and stakeholders, who should be consulted by Member States before time zone changes and informed by the Commission.
  • The agriculture sector, where seasonal time changes affect animal welfare and milk production.
  • The transport, communications and other sectors, which need to be protected from disruptions.

Figures and deadlines

  • 4.6 million responses from citizens in the Commission's open consultation procedure.
  • 43% of respondents cited health issues as the main reason for discontinuing seasonal changes.
  • 20% of respondents cited lack of energy savings.
  • Seventy percent of participants in the public consultation were from one Member State.
  • Clocks are advanced by one hour on the last Sunday of March and set back by one hour on the last Sunday of October.
  • The directive should apply from 30 March 2020, with the last summer-time period starting at 1.00 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time on 30 March 2020.
  • Standard time changes should take place at 1.00 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time on 25 October 2020.
  • The Commission shall report on implementation by seven years after the adoption of the directive at the latest.