The main objectives of the package, which was presented by Employment Commissioner Vladimir Špidla today (3 October), are improving conditions for maternity leave, strengthening social protection measures for the self-employed and achieving better child care.
Longer maternity leave
The Commission proposed a directive that would extend maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks, rule out lay-offs during this time and grant women more flexibility when taking leave. But the plan is likely to meet strong opposition from several member states, including Germany.
Indeed, the country's Ministry of Family Affairs argues that the initiative could have a boomerang effect, increasing the financial risk of employing young women and raising hurdles for those in search of a job.
Germany further argues that its existing legislation already goes far beyond what the Commission is proposing regarding the protection of maternity leave, lay-off protection and financial coverage.
Current legislation regarding maternity leave varies widely across EU member states, with the periods granted ranging from 14 weeks to 52 weeks, while not all countries offer paid leave.
Better rights for self-employed women
The EU executive will also present a proposal aimed at boosting the number of female entrepreneurs by offering them better protection, whether they are self-employed or working for their husband's company. It should also help women to remain at work independently of their family responsibilities.
More child care
The Commission will also present a report on the provision of childcare services, covering aspects such as accessibility, availability, cost and quality. The EU's aim is to provide childcare for at least 90% of children between the age of three and school age and at least 33% of those under three by 2010.
Anti-discrimination directive proves divisive
Before today's Commission presentation, EU employment ministers exchanged views on a Commission proposal for tighter anti-discrimination legislation covering mistreatment outside the workplace.
But ministers came nowhere near to reaching agreement, largely due to fierce opposition from the Czech Republic and Germany once again. German Family Affaris Minister Ursula von der Leyen told her EU counterparts that she wanted to examine whether a legal basis existed for legislation at the European level, stressing that Germany already had a "high level of protection."
The French Presidency wanted to go "as far as it can" with the directive, French Social Affairs Minister Xavier Bertrand said.
“Given the current economic challenges it is indispensable to have such piece of legislation,” he added.
