The time change is approaching, with clocks going forward one hour at the end of March.
At the same time, several countries around the world have chosen to no longer apply the summer and winter time measure.
The time change will take place on Sunday, March 29, when at 04:00 in the morning citizens will have to turn their clocks forward one hour, at 03:00. In this way, daylight saving time comes into effect.
A uniform regulation has been in force in the European Union since 1996, according to which in spring, clocks are moved forward one hour to make more use of natural daylight, while in autumn they are moved back one hour.
The history of the time change
Daylight saving time was first implemented in Europe in the summer of 1916, during World War I. The practice began in Germany, with the aim of saving energy and making greater use of natural light for the production of war materials.
In Greece, daylight saving time was implemented on a trial basis in 1932, but was abandoned for several decades. It was finally reinstated in 1975, after the 1973 energy crisis, when many European countries decided to adopt the same system.
Which countries do not implement daylight saving time?
Although the time change is implemented in many countries, approximately 70 countries worldwide have decided not to follow the measure for geographical, social or political reasons.
Iceland
Iceland is the only European country that does not practice daylight saving time. Since 1968, it has decided to remain permanently on daylight saving time (GMT), as due to its high latitude, the difference between day and night is already very large throughout the year.
Russia
Russia abandoned daylight saving time in 2011, when then-President Dmitry Medvedev permanently instituted daylight saving time. However, the measure was later reversed after public outcry over the darkness in the winter mornings.
Belarus
Belarus also stopped changing time after 2011, permanently opting for daylight saving time to keep pace with Russia.
Turkey
Turkey abandoned daylight saving time in 2016 and permanently uses daylight saving time throughout the year.
Egypt
Egypt officially abolished daylight saving time in 2016, as many citizens considered the measure unnecessary, while the change also affected fasting hours during Ramadan.
China
China tried to implement the time change from 1986 to 1991, but the measure was deemed ineffective due to the country's large geographical area and was eventually abandoned.
Source: iefimerida.gr
