Mallorca and Europe are preparing for another seasonal time change amidst growing debate over its necessity in modern society. On 26th October 2025, at 3AM, clocks will turn back to 2AM, giving millions an extra hour of sleep. This shift, marking the end of Central European Summer Time (CEST), comes as scientific evidence increasingly questions its relevance in today's world, where energy consumption patterns have evolved significantly and health professionals raise concerns about its impact.
Despite the European Union's 2018 proposal to abolish this practice, seven years on, no definitive agreement has been reached. The lack of consensus among member states about which permanent time schedule to maintain has prolonged a situation that many citizens consider an unnecessary anachronism in 2025.
Historical context and evolution
The practice of changing time began in 1918 during World War I as part of a European initiative to maximise daylight usage and reduce coal consumption during scarcity. Spain has maintained this twice-yearly ritual, though its implementation has evolved over the decades. Since 1981, following European regulations, the changes occur in March and October.
Health implications and wellbeing
According to the Spanish Sleep Society, clock changes can trigger sleep disorders, fatigue, decreased cognitive performance, and even a temporary increase in cardiovascular accident risks during the week following the shift. A 2024 study by the University of Barcelona revealed that a significant proportion of Spaniards struggle to adapt to time changes, particularly in spring when losing an hour of rest.
Energy savings in question
Recent data from Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition shows that electricity consumption reduction barely reaches 0.5% annually, a figure significantly lower than initial estimates and practically irrelevant in today's context. The digital transformation of Spanish society has substantially modified energy consumption patterns, with remote work, constant climate control, and continuous use of electronic devices diluting the impact of time changes.
Future outlook
The European Commission's 2018 public consultation showed 84% of participants favoured eliminating time changes. Spain, as an EU member, continues to monitor these developments closely. The Spanish government announced in early 2025 that it would review the practice's effectiveness, considering both economic and public health factors in any future policy decisions.