Spain to abolish daylight saving time – plans for 2026 announced

Spain presents plan: No more clock changes from 2026?

In the morning, Spain's Prime Minister announced on the platform X what many here have long wished for or feared: A proposal to the EU to abolish the biannual clock change. The aim, according to the announcement, is to remain on a single time year-round from 2026 onward—and thus end the twice-yearly adjustment.

Why now?

Argument number one: According to Sánchez, the change hardly saves energy anymore. And argument number two is health-related: Many doctors see in the changes a burden on our biorhythm. In short: less sleep disruption, fewer tired morning commuters.

Today I spoke with people in Palma. On Passeig des Born, cafe owner Marta stands at the counter at 10 a.m., slides the espresso machine forward and laughs: "If the clocks no longer jump, we'll plan shifts more easily. And regular customers will notice it in the daily routine." A taxi driver at Estación Intermodal says, on the other hand, that he is more worried about timetables: "Flights, ferries and international bus connections — they need to be coordinated."

What does this mean in practice for Mallorca?

For the island the effects are modest but tangible. Tourism businesses, airports and ferry companies would have to adjust their annual plans. Organizers of evening markets or open-air concerts could plan longer-term start times more reliably. On the other hand: schedules between the mainland and the island are internationally linked, so a clear EU timetable is needed, otherwise there will be chaos during the transition.

The EU machinery is in motion

One country alone cannot simply abolish the change — the rules affect the whole Union. Sánchez wants to officially submit the proposal today. Remember: the issue has appeared at the table several times, in 2019 there were debates but no final agreement. Now movement could come.

What matters is that a decision takes time. Between discussion and actual implementation lie votes, technical adjustments and transition periods. The announcement is probably meant to signal: the old practice of changing twice a year is no longer set in stone.

And the next change?

Until an EU rule takes effect, the existing guideline applies — clocks will continue to be adjusted at the usual time. In practice, that means: in the night of the coming Sunday the clocks will be set back one hour again. So if you're out and about this weekend, keep that in mind.

Is that good or bad news? For many it sounds pragmatic. For others, it's an unnecessary debate that will take months, maybe years. We'll stay tuned and report when there are concrete dates and consequences for Mallorca.