Italy weighs permanent daylight saving time after 350,000 signatures

WISE NEWS PRESS / ROME, ITALY — Nov. 25, 2025

The long-standing debate over daylight saving time has reached the Italian Parliament, where lawmakers will consider a proposal to make summer time permanent after a petition garnered over 350,000 signatures.

Supported by the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), consumer advocacy group Consumerismo, and MP Andrea Barabotti of the ruling League party, the initiative seeks to end the bi-annual ritual of changing clocks. The parliamentary committee is expected to first evaluate the impact of permanent daylight saving time on social life and various economic sectors before proceeding with any legal amendments.

Energy savings and economic impact

Proponents of the change argue that maintaining summer time year-round would yield significant economic benefits. The petition highlights potential energy savings and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as key drivers.

According to Terna, the company managing Italy's national electricity grid, daylight saving time has saved the country approximately €2 billion over the last 20 years, equating to more than 12 billion kWh of energy. Estimates suggest that extending the practice throughout the year could save an additional €180 million annually on energy bills.

Supporters also point to potential boosts for the restaurant and tourism sectors, arguing that longer daylight hours would encourage dining out and extend the tourist season.

Health benefits and public sentiment

Beyond economics, health experts are advocating for the shift. SIMA President Alessandro Miani stated that greater exposure to natural light in the evening stimulates serotonin production, improving mood and overall well-being.

"Every time we change the clock, we disrupt our sleep rhythms: we feel sleepier, lose concentration, and see increases in depression and anxiety," Miani said during a press conference at the Chamber of Deputies. The proposal also notes studies linking clock changes to slight increases in heart attacks and traffic accidents.

"An extra hour of daylight means more safety, more outdoor sports, more aperitivo, and savings on electricity bills," added Luigi Gabriele from Consumerismo.

A wider European debate

The push in Italy reflects a broader trend across Europe. A 2018 European Commission survey found that 84% of Europeans supported abolishing clock changes. While the European Parliament voted in 2019 to allow member states to choose their own time systems, the issue remains unresolved at the bloc level.

Recently, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also criticized the practice, calling it "meaningless" and urging policymakers to "listen to citizens and science." Sanchez has brought a request to the EU Council to end time changes by 2026.

Despite the consensus on ending the switch, Europeans remain divided on which time to keep. According to the 2018 survey, 56% favored permanent summer time, with Portugal, Cyprus, and Poland leading this preference. Meanwhile, 36% preferred permanent winter time, a view most popular in Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

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