Belgium: toward an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child

The news. On 18 July, the Belgian federal government approved a draft bill introducing an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child. This entitlement would be added to existing leave schemes, including maternity leave (15 to 19 weeks) and birth leave for fathers or co-parents (20 days). It could be taken within the year following the child’s birth by whichever parent (or co-parent) chooses to use it. In the case of multiple births, five additional days would be granted for ea