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Italian lawmakers are debating ending the twice-yearly clock changes after a petition calling for permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) gathered more than 353,000 online signatures.
The proposal, supported by the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), the consumer association Consumerismo, and League party MP Andrea Barabotti, has been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies for parliamentary review.
A parliamentary commission will first assess the social, economic, and health impacts of permanent DST. If the evaluation is positive, a legislative proposal could be enacted by June 30, 2026.
Supporters argue that maintaining DST year-round could bring substantial energy savings. According to Italian news ANSA, citing Terna, Italy’s national electricity grid operator, Daylight Saving Time (DST) has saved over 12 billion kWh of energy in the past two decades, equivalent to around €2.3 billion ($2.65 billion).
Proponents of permanent DST estimate that it could save an additional 720 million kWh annually, representing roughly €180 million ($207 million).
Proponents also highlight potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, estimated at 160,000–200,000 tons per year, and increased economic activity in tourism and hospitality due to longer evening daylight.
SIMA notes that changing clocks disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, affecting sleep, mood, and cardiovascular health. Longer evening daylight may improve mental well-being by boosting serotonin levels and encouraging outdoor activities. Supporters also cite safety benefits, including fewer traffic accidents and enhanced public security.
A 2018 European Commission survey found that 84% of EU respondents supported ending biannual clock changes. In Italy, 56% favor permanent DST, while 36% prefer permanent standard time.
Similar debates are taking place in other European countries, including Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described clock changes as “meaningless.”
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