European Union (EU) law (Directive 2010/18/EU) sets out minimum requirements on parental leave with the aim of reconciling work and family life and to promote equal opportunities for men and women in the labour market. The directive sets out minimum requirements on parental leave for male and female workers on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child.

Each EU country determines the rules on social security provisions. You can find more information about pension rights, unemployment benefits, maternity and paternity benefits and other social security rights in the various countries here.

Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions contains information and publications on parental leave (including country-specific information).

If you feel discriminated against on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender, you may contact the National Equality Body in your country.

These websites are available in all official EU languages