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Paternity leave 2025: Germany under pressure to reform!
Discussion about paternity leave 2025 in Germany: New EU directive promotes equality and parental rights.
Paternity leave 2025: Germany under pressure to reform!
The discussion about paternity leave in Germany has become more intense. The aim of this reform is to better support fathers and other parents after the birth of a child and to strengthen their rights. This topic becomes particularly relevant in the context of the political situation in Germany, which emerged after the federal election. A crucial fact is the EU directive from 2019, which forms the basis for these demands. This directive aims to achieve a fairer distribution of care responsibilities and improved gender equality in working life, such as Business punk reported.
However, the implementation of this directive, also known as Directive (EU) 2019/1158, is proving to be challenging for Germany. The EU Commission has initiated infringement proceedings because Germany is not responding adequately to the requirements with its existing regulations on parental leave and parental allowance. A key element that has so far been missing is the introduction of ten days of paid leave for fathers immediately after the birth of a child.
EU directive and its requirements
EU Directive 2019/1158, adopted on June 20, 2019, addresses work-life balance for parents and carers. It replaces the old Directive 2010/18/EU and was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The basic provisions of the directive aim to improve working conditions for fathers and carers and thus contribute to gender equality. The full text of the Directive is available in several languages, including German, and is in force to achieve the stated objectives. Further information can be found here EU directive itself.
The path to reforming paternity leave has been paved, but the practical implementation is still pending. The pressure on German politicians to adhere to EU regulations is growing. The impending compliance with this directive could bring about far-reaching changes for fathers and parents in the country. A step towards more equality and better conditions for combining work and family seems essential.