European parliamentarians have voted to back an end to the annual changing of clocks in spring and autumn by 2021.
If the draft law is approved by the EU executive and member states, countries will decide whether to remain permanently on what is now summer or winter time.
After 2021 the twice annual ritual of moving clocks back or forward by an hour will be over - as many fed-up European voters have demanded.
The new change to scrape daylight savings would apply to the UK if it stays in the EU. Source: Getty Images
Following pressure from a citizens' initiative, notably in Germany, the European Commission initially proposed to end daylight savings time from this year.
But concerns were raised that a confusing patchwork of time zones would be created if some states opted to remain on "summer time" and some on "winter time".
"Therefore we're waiting for member states to coordinate their decisions," warned Swedish MEP Marita Ulvskog, who is guiding the reform through the legislature.
These decisions will not now come into effect before 2021 after the European Parliament voted by 410 votes to 192 to push back the timetable.
In the meantime, the European Council - which represents member states - and experts from the European Commission will discuss the text with lawmakers.
Farmers have historically fought against daylight savings in Australia. Source: Getty Images
In Australia, daylight savings has featured in some parts of the country since at least 1971, but every year it causes a nation-wide debate about whether all states and territories should join in on winding the clock forward.
Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory don't participate in daylight savings.
Farmers have long protested against it, arguing it cuts productivity. Dairy farmers say the cows never adapt to the new schedule.
Daylight Saving Time ends in Australia on April 7, 2019 when clocks will be turned back by one hour.
