Every year, Ukrainians change time twice – switching to summer and winter time. However, this tradition may change in 2025, as the Verkhovna Rada has adopted a bill that abolishes seasonal clock changes. IZ writes about this with reference to the material of TSN.
Content
- History of clock changes
- Will Ukrainians change their clocks in 2025?
- Date of daylight saving time change in 2025
- Why do they move the clock hands?
Since the 1980s, Ukrainians have changed time twice a year — switching to summer and winter time.
History of clock changes
The idea of changing the clocks was first proposed in 1784 by Benjamin Franklin, then the US ambassador to France, to save on candles. Later, British activist William Willett tried to implement the idea, but without success.
The first country to officially implement daylight saving time was Germany in 1916. This was done due to resource shortages during World War I. The practice was later adopted by the United States and over 100 other countries.
In Ukraine, the first time clock changes took place on February 16, 1918, during the Ukrainian People's Republic, when Central European Time was introduced. Regular seasonal changes in Ukrainian territories began in 1981, when the country was still part of the USSR. After gaining independence, the clock changes were officially established by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated May 13, 1996.
Will Ukrainians change their clocks in 2025?
In August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 4201, initiated by Ruslan Stefanchuk. The document provides for the abolition of seasonal clock changes and the establishment of permanent winter time. However, the law requires the signature of President Volodymyr Zelensky to enter into force. If this document is not signed by the end of March 2025, Ukrainians will switch to summer time according to the usual practice – they will move their clocks forward one hour.
It is worth noting that currently daylight saving time is used in approximately 60 countries around the world, while 140 countries have either never implemented this practice or have already abandoned it.
Date of daylight saving time change in 2025
According to current rules, the transition to daylight saving time occurs on the last Sunday of the first spring month. In 2025, this will be March 30 at 3:00 AM , when clocks will need to be moved forward one hour.
Why do they move the clock hands?
It is believed that the transition to summer and winter time helps to make more efficient use of daylight throughout the year. This allows you to optimize working hours according to lighting, reduce heating costs and save electricity needed to illuminate the premises.
Note that most modern electronic devices, such as smartwatches, smartphones, computers, laptops, and tablets, automatically set the time. However, mechanical watches and older mobile phone models will have to be set manually.
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