In the EU employees have the right to parental leave when a child is born or adopted. However, it is up to each member state to decide on access to this leave, including how much financial coverage is provided. In our video interview, Arena said the isue of payment for parental leave was key to ensuring men take leave: "Parental leave must be paid, for there to be an equitable work-life division between men and women, ending discrimination at work for women."

She added that some member states consider paying for leave a cost rather than an investment: "Therefore we want to convince these states that providing leave, even more so parental leave, in fact creates a bigger workforce, a more qualified workforce and thus more advantages for companies too."

Watch the debate live online on Thursday 12 May from 8.30 CET.