The time change Germany is a late bloomer when it comes to time changes. While Italy and France have been busy turning the clock since 1966 and 1967 respectively, the change has only been made in Germany since 1980.
The fact that summer time became established in Germany at that time can be traced back to the oil crisis of 1973. By setting the clock forward by one hour, daylight can be used for an hour longer and thus save energy.
Since then there have been doubts about the time change. Critics complain, for example, that the hoped-for energy saving effect can hardly be proven. Many also cite the negative effects on human biorhythms as a point against the time change.
Not all countries are making the switch. Some even reset. After Russia set clocks forward by one hour all year round in 2011, the experiment was ended after three years. Since then, the so-called standard time has been in effect again all year round. Now it remains to be seen which regulations the EU states will decide on.