European Parliament resolution of 8 February 2018 on time change arrangements (2017/2968(RSP))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
– having regard to Directive 2000/84/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 January 2001 on summer-time arrangements(1),
– having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission of 13 April 2016 on better law-making(2),
– having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas according to the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making, the evaluation of existing legislation should provide a basis for impact assessments as regards options for future action;
B. whereas numerous scientific studies, including the European Parliamentary Research Service study of October 2017 on EU summer-time arrangements under Directive 2000/84/EC, have failed to come to a conclusive outcome, but have instead indicated the existence of negative effects on human health;
C. whereas a number of citizens’ initiatives have highlighted citizens’ concerns about the biannual clock change;
D. whereas Parliament has raised this issue before, for example in Oral Question O-000111/2015 – B8-0768/2015 to the Commission of 25 September 2015;
E. whereas it is crucial to maintain a unified EU time regime even after the end of biannual time changes;
1. Calls on the Commission to conduct a thorough assessment of Directive 2000/84/EC and, if necessary, come up with a proposal for its revision;
2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.