On 12 July, the European Commission launched the second phase of its consultation with social European social partners regarding work-life balance. Under the EU Treaty, the Commission must consult with European trade union organisations and employer bodies before any initiatives can be undertaken in the social sphere. In this second phase, a blueprint for revising the current directives governing maternity and parental leave is drafted. The introduction of paternity leave and leave for caregivers is also considered.
European social partners are called to put forward their point of view on the planned measures. If they do not enter into negotiations, the Commission will be free to decide whether to initiate the legislative process outlined in the consultation document.
The consultation document contains a proposal to reform the Maternity Leave Directive. Having failed with an initial plan to revise the directive, which would have involved extending leave from 14 to 18 weeks (see article n°9167), the Commissi
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