Why new EU rules are needed



More adaptable working conditions and family and care-related leave would help working parents and carers balance private and professional interests and avoid the need to choose between family and career. They form part of the EU's social policies to improve people's lives and well-being.

The impact on gender equality



Women, whose employment rate was 66.5% (compared to 78% for men) in 2017, are far more likely to work part-time to take care of children and relatives and face career interruptions, which contribute to them being paid on average less and having lower pensions than men.

The new rules for a better work-life balance, adopted on 4 April, aim to increase women's employment rate, create incentives for fathers to take family-related leave and promote gender equality and equal opportunities.

Next steps

EU countries will have three years to comply with the new rules.





