Maternity/paternity leave for fathers and co-mothers doubles in number of days, from 10 to 20 by 2024
From 1 January 2021, civil servants (men, co-mothers, or if there is proof of a civil partnership) whose partner gives birth to a child will be entitled to 15 days' maternity/paternity leave. From 1 January 2023, the number of days will be increased to 20, which is a doubling of the current number of days of maternity/paternity leave. In doing so, the federal government is taking the lead in Europe, following in the footsteps of the Scandinavian countries.
The Minister of Civil Service, Public Enterprises, Telecommunication and the Postal Services, Petra De Sutter, is pleased with this measure: 'The first days of a child in this world are the most important for both the newborn and the parent. With this measure, we want to give the parent who has not given birth more time with the child.' This decision is also part of the Minister's broader ambition to have the civil service and public companies take on a pioneering role in our society.
Doubling the number of days of maternity/paternity leave is part of a broader package approved by the Vivaldi government. Maternity/paternity leave will also be increased for employees and self-employed persons. There as well, the increase will take place in two phases: from 1 January 2021 the number of days will be increased to 15 and from 1 January 2023 to 20.