With regard to the EU proposal to increase maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks, we note that the government changed its position from one against an extension in maternity leave to one in favour.

In order to be credible the government should make it clear whether it will back such a proposal if discussed in the European Council, when the same government opposed an increase in maternity leave a few months ago. Even when given the chance lately, the MEPs representing the Nationalist Party did not vote in favour of an increase in maternity leave. In the European Parliament this directive is being supported by the United Left, by the Greens and by the Socialists.

We appeal to the government to vote in favour of directives that safeguard family needs and work. This will enhance equality between the sexes. An increase in maternity leave can result in better working conditions, increased access for women to the labour market and concrete policies in favour of families. We believe that both men and women should participate in the labour market and in family caring roles.

Countries like Scandinavia that promote legislation in favour of the family are characterised by more equality between the sexes and more female participation in the labour market. According to international institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme and the World Economic Forum, the economies of these societies are also among the strongest in the world.