Lithuania has included the abolition of seasonal clock changes among the priorities of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which it will hold from 1 January to 30 June 2027. The issue is expected to be discussed at an informal meeting of EU transport ministers in February 2027, with a vote anticipated at the end of June.
According to Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), the announcement was made by Lithuania's Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Lukas Paskevicius. He said the matter had been added to the proposed presidency agenda, subject to final approval by the Lithuanian Parliament.
Paskevicius said they had heard that some member states were reluctant to put the issue on the agenda, but noted that there is currently no opposition that would prevent it from being included in Lithuania's presidency programme, describing this as significant progress. He added that Lithuania had held talks on the subject with France, Spain, Germany and the Nordic countries, as well as with Members of the European Parliament.
According to Paskevicius, EU member states have yet to reach a common position because they disagree on which time regime should be adopted permanently. Southern European countries favour permanent summer time, arguing that it would bring longer and brighter evenings. In Northern European countries, particularly Finland, limited natural light in winter means permanent summer time could make mornings even darker.
Paskevicius stressed that the goal is to end seasonal clock changes altogether, regardless of whether summer or winter time is chosen. He said surveys show that most people living in Lithuania would prefer to remain on summer time.
Should no agreement be reached during Lithuania's presidency, Paskevicius said the issue would be taken forward in coordination with Greece, which will assume the EU Council presidency in the second half of 2027.
