EU: Belgian presidency seeks the path of compromise on maternity leave

“A very large majority of Member States considers that, with the extension and, notably, compensation, the European Parliament has gone a little too far” Joelle Milquet said to sum up the government’s opinion after the debate held yesterday in Brussels.  Gathered as part of the Employment and Social Affairs’ Council, it was officially the first time the Member States were debating the issue of the extension of maternity leave since the resounding vote by the MEPs on October 20th (see our dispatch No.  100745).  They voted for the extension of maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks in Europe, while the European Commission initially proposed 18 weeks.  Most importantly, the Parliament voted for compensating women 100% of their last salary, while the European executive proposed paying them referring to sickness compensation in force in each Member State.
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745). They voted for the extension of maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks in Europe, while the European Commission initially proposed 18 weeks. Most importantly, the Parliament voted for compensating women 100% of their last salary, while the European executive proposed paying them referring to sickness compensation in force in each Member State.

Cost. On Monday, most of the Member States present in Brussels said that the MEPs’ stand wasn’t possible during an economic crisis, as austerity pro

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