Vilnius:Lithuania anticipates an EU vote on ending seasonal clock changes in late June 2027, coinciding with its presidency of the Council of the European Union, as reported by public broadcaster LRT.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Deputy Transport Minister Lukas Paskevicius stated that the issue will first be addressed at an informal meeting of EU transport ministers in February 2027. He mentioned that a vote would take place toward the end of Lithuania's presidency, expressing uncertainty about the decision outcome.

Lithuania is set to hold the EU Council's rotating presidency during the first half of 2027, and the agenda includes ending the twice-yearly clock changes, pending parliamentary approval. Paskevicius indicated that Lithuania has engaged in discussions with ministers from various countries, including France, Spain, Germany, and Nordic nations, as well as members of the European Parliament.

The EU is awaiting a study from the European Commission, expected in February 2027, to assess the impact of ending seasonal time changes on various sectors such as the economy, agriculture, and public health. Member states remain divided on whether to permanently adopt summer or winter time, with Southern European countries favoring summer time for its extended daylight, while Nordic countries express concerns over darker winter mornings.

Paskevicius emphasized Lithuania's goal to eliminate seasonal time changes, highlighting that most Lithuanian residents prefer summer time. The commission first proposed ending seasonal clock changes in 2018, receiving backing from the European Parliament in 2019, but progress has stalled due to disagreements among member states.