EU Member States agreed to set the maximum period of work and contributions for parental leave at one year and the maximum paternity leave period to six months under the Work-life balance directive at the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) meeting on Friday, 18 January.
The issue was the last convoluted problem to be solved before reaching a political agreement at the next interinstitutional meeting to be held on Thursday 24 January. The position would leave few concessions for the European Parliament rapporteur, David Casa (EPP, Malta). The European Parliament wanted 9 months of parental leave while the Council wanted one year. For paternity leave, the Council also argued for one year, whereas the European Parliament did not want any defined period (see EUROPE 12160).
The negotiations were difficult, particularly on the subject of parental leave. Finally, it was decided to set this to four months, including two non-transferable months, the first month and a half of which would be paid before being extended to two months after five years. No remuneration level has been defined.
For paternity leave, the co-legislators set the leave period at ten days with remuneration aligned with Directive 92/85/EEC. Finally, on caregiver leave, the co-legislators agreed to set this to five days per year with some flexibility in terms of days and duration. Again, no remuneration was mentioned. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)