In 2026, clocks and watches across Europe will be set back during the night of Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25. This change is part of the annual adjustment to daylight saving time, which aims to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. The shift typically occurs in the autumn, when the days become shorter, and clocks are turned back by one hour, giving people an extra hour of sleep. Daylight saving time has been a topic of debate for years, with some countries considering its abolition due to concerns about its impact on health, energy consumption, and daily routines. However, the European Union has maintained a coordinated approach to the practice, ensuring that most member states align their clocks on the same date each year. The date for the 2026 change, October 24–25, is the earliest possible under the current European coordination rules. This date was chosen to allow enough time for the transition before the winter months, when daylight saving time is no longer in effect. Some countries may still choose to adjust their clocks on slightly different dates, depending on local legislation and preferences. The practice of adjusting clocks dates back to World War I, when it was introduced to conserve energy by making better use of daylight. While the original goal was to save fuel, modern discussions often focus on whether the benefits still outweigh the disruptions caused by the time changes. For now, the coordinated approach remains in place, with the next adjustment scheduled for the fall of 2026.