The European Union on Monday extended parental leave to four months, from three, for each parent.
EU officials say the new law, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, promotes gender equality and encourages men to take an "equal share of family responsibilities."
The decision by the EU governments to increase parental leave must be enacted within the next two years in each of the 27 EU nations. It also ensures employees financial and other benefits while on parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
The law leaves it up to governments if parental leave is fully or partly paid and to set penalties for companies that do not comply.
Maternity leave in EU countries varies from 14 weeks in Malta to 16 months in Sweden. Pay levels and conditions during leave also differ greatly.
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