EU : provisional agreement by the EU Parliament and Council over the ‘conciliation’ Directive

So close, but yet on 24 January 2019 another, the fourth, negotiation meeting needed to be held for the EU Parliament , Council and Commission to come to agreement over a draft directive aimed at strengthening the work-life balance for parents and those caring for dependents. This compromise, which has yet to be formally adopted by the Council and Parliament in plenary to become permanent, introduces the principle of two months' pay for parental leave, as well as a minimum of 10 days' paid paternity leave and 5 days' leave per year (unpaid) for carers. In addition, the project as it emerged from the negotiations improves the possibilities of flexible working time arrangements. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

The provisional agreement introduces the following minimal provisions:

– It strengthens the existing right to 4 months of parental leave (already existing), by making 2 months non-transferable (one month today) between parents and introducing compensation for these 2 months at a level to be determined by the Member States (even if the draft text refers to an adequate level of payment or allowance).

– In order to be eligible parents must have already worked in the company for a period of a year a

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...