"MEZ" is an acronym for "Mitteleuropäische Zeit," which is the German translation for "Central European Time" (CET) in English. It refers to the standard time used in several European countries and regions located in the middle part of the continent. MEZ is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1) during the standard time period, with an additional one-hour advancement during daylight saving time.
The MEZ time zone encompasses various countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Poland. It is utilized in these regions as the baseline for scheduling and coordinating activities, such as transportation, international business, and telecommunications.
This time zone is centered around the 15th meridian east longitude, which roughly runs through major cities such as Berlin, Rome, Paris, and Vienna. MEZ is predominantly observed during the winter months, starting on the last Sunday in October and ending on the last Sunday in March. During daylight saving time, it is commonly referred to as "MESZ," which stands for "Mitteleuropäische Sommerzeit" (Central European Summer Time).
The use of MEZ facilitates efficient planning and coordination across various countries in Central Europe, ensuring that schedules and appointments are synchronized within the region. It allows for easier communication and collaboration among neighboring countries, as well as with international partners operating within the same time zone.
