European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
maternity
Maternity and paternity leave in the EU
Written by Ulla Jurviste, Martina Prpic and Giulio Sabbati, Updated in March 2019 In 2019, the EU institutions are set to approve new work-life balance legislation, which will introduce minimum standards for paid paternity leave across the EU. The maternity rights set out in the 1992 Pregnant Workers Directive will be maintained. This directive sets … Continue reading
Promoting fertility in the EU. Social policy options for Member States
The number of births as a proportion of the population has been declining in Europe since the late 19th century. In the past decade, fertility rates reached very low levels in many Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU), well below replacement levels. Low rates imply that, without migration or increased longevity, European populations … Continue reading
Social welfare protection: the EU, USA and China
Social welfare costs generally make up a large part of governments’ total budgets in developed countries. Although the share is lower in China, amounts are rising rapidly. The most costly elements in many countries are healthcare and pensions. Both areas have required real increases in budgets for many years because of the ageing of populations: … Continue reading
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