BRUSSELS - France's attempt to have the twice-yearly clock change in continental Europe abolished was blocked by its EU partners at talks here.
EU transport ministers agreed in principle to extend the current EU directive governing time changes, which is due to expire next year, until 2001. Only Britain offered France any support, arguing that Paris should be allowed to make its own decision on the grounds of national sovereignty.
The European Commission did however agree to a demand from Ms Anne-Marie Idrac, a junior French transport minister, for an examination of the advantages or disadvantages of maintaining summertime. The report will be completed by June 30th 1999.
