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European Union

EU Maternity Leave Reform Stalls, EU Lawmaker Pledges to Revive Proposal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Commission's decision to withdraw its proposal to reform EU maternity benefits, last seen in 2008, has been met with disappointment from EU lawmakers, including Beatriz Becerra, a member of the European Parliament's women's rights and gender equality committee. The stalled proposal aimed to increase the minimum EU maternity leave period from 14 to 18 weeks and extend rights to working moms, including the self-employed. Despite legislative deadlock, Becerra vows to press the Commission to come forward with a new proposal, citing the need for a common approach to maternity leave and parental leave.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission formally withdrew its proposal to reform EU maternity benefits on July 1, bringing the 2008 plan to a close.
  • The proposal aimed to increase the minimum EU maternity leave period from 14 to 18 weeks and extend rights to working moms, including the self-employed.
  • EU lawmaker Beatriz Becerra, a working mom and member of the European Parliament's women's rights and gender equality committee, has vowed to revive the proposal and press the Commission for a new plan.
  • The proposal was held up for years by legislative deadlock, sparked by a discussion among EU governments following the Parliament's first reading in 2010.
  • The Commission's withdrawal of the proposal has been met with disappointment from EU lawmakers, who believe it is a "big step backwards" for European Union maternity legislation.
  • Becerra has pledged to set up a new working group devoted to maternity leave and parental leave, and to work with companies to find a common solution.

Statistics:

  • 18 weeks: The proposed minimum EU maternity leave period under the 2008 plan.
  • 14 weeks: The current minimum EU maternity leave period.
  • 21 years old: The age of Becerra's son.
  • 5 years: The duration of the legislative deadlock that stalled the 2008 proposal.

Sources:

  • European Commission: "Withdrawal of the proposal to reform EU maternity benefits"
  • EU Observer: "EU drops maternity leave proposals following five-year legislative deadlock"
  • The Parliament Magazine: "EU drops maternity leave proposals following five-year legislative deadlock"
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