Brussels, 08/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - European Parliament (EP) rapporteur on maternity leave Edite Estrela (S&D, Portugal) has criticised the decision taken by EU employment and home affairs ministers on Monday to reject 20-week maternity leave. Ministers went with the initial European Commission position of 18 weeks' leave as a basis for further negotiation.
This decision shows that the Council “didn't fully understand Parliament's role within the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty,” Estrela said. However, she thanked the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers and the representatives of the incoming Hungarian Presidency for the commitment, determination and efforts shown in trying to find an agreement with the EP. Estrela reiterated her willingness, as the Parliament's rapporteur, to work with the Council and the Hungarian Presidency to reach an agreement which will meet the needs of European families and the European economy.
Elisabeth Morin-Chartier (EPP, France) called on the European Council and the Commission to bring forward a new proposal placing an 18-week cap on maternity leave, so that an agreement that helps women can be reached. She said it was important that the text show imagination and innovation in bringing forward effective measures and finding a good work-life balance, for example, by making provision for more crèche facilities, and adapting working hours to the rhythm of family life for fathers as well as mothers. There had also to be complementary measures for easing the return to work after maternity leave.
Marina Yannakoudakis (ECR, UK) takes the view that it is not for the EU to determine the length of parental leave that new mothers and fathers should take. This, she said, was a matter for national governments and personal choice. The EP's plans would have reduced women's right to choose and would have made young women less employable.
For the outcome of the Council, go to EUROPE 10271, and for the EP vote, go to EUROPE 10240. (G.B./transl.rt)