The time change and return to winter time will take place this year at the end of October. According to the rules in force in Greece and in the countries of the European Union, the clocks will be moved back one hour in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Specifically, at 04:00 in the morning, the clock will be set back to 03:00. The change brings an hour more sleep on the first night, while after this date it will be brighter earlier in the morning and darker earlier in the afternoon. In most electronic devices, such as phones, computers and smartwatches, the change is made automatically. While for traditional clocks with hands, the correction must be done manually.

Why does the clock change?

The practice of changing the clock has been used in various forms for many years, while its large-scale implementation in Europe was particularly associated with the energy crisis of the 1970s.

The aim was to make greater use of natural light during the day and, in this way, reduce the need for artificial lighting and save energy. In Greece, the regular application of summer time began in 1975. The abolition of the clock change has been discussed for years in the European Union. In 2018, a public consultation was held at European level, and the European Commission subsequently proposed eliminating the practice.

The European Parliament voted in favour of the proposal in 2019, which would have left it up to member states to decide whether to stay permanently on summer or winter time. However, the change has not yet been lifted. One of the main problems has been coordination between states, as different decisions by neighbouring countries could create difficulties for transport, flights, communications and the functioning of the single market.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent European energy crisis prevented a final solution to the issue. Until a common agreement is reached among EU countries, the clock change will continue to be implemented twice a year, in March and October.