Overview

• The proposed 'birth leave' would provide four months per parent, allowing both parents to take time off simultaneously after maternity or paternity leave.
• This new leave would offer significantly higher compensation compared to the current parental leave, which pays approximately €400 per month.
• The initiative seeks to address gender disparities in caregiving, as only 14% of mothers and less than 1% of fathers currently take parental leave.
• Discussions with social partners and lawmakers are ongoing, with the government aiming to include the proposal in the next social security funding bill.
• Additional measures announced include extending childcare subsidies for single-parent families and promoting individualized income tax rates to support economic equality.