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Dads' rights in Europe

From 2022, EU countries had to update the rules to guarantee new fathers at least 10 days of 100% paid leave

by Maria Paola Mosca

19 March 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

France tripled leave
In Spain 19 weeks of leave
Germany lags behind

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

In France, Julien was able to stay at home with his daughter thanks to the statutory 28-day paternity leave. In Germany, Markus uses the Elterngeld and parental leave, which allows parents to reduce their work to take care of their children. In Spain, Carlos took advantage of the 16 weeks of paid paternity leave. Three examples showing how family policies favour more paternity.

France tripled leave

As of 1 July, new parents in France will be able to benefit from two extra months of paid parental leave. By offering each member of the couple an additional leave, the rule will, in fact, triple the duration of the leave currently provided for fathers. Moreover, given the flexibility in managing leave periods, parents who alternate absences at work will be able to take care of their children for a particularly long period.

The French one is a further example of the European trend to broaden parental support, resulting, in part, from the entry into force of the EU directive on paternity leave. As of 2022, in fact, the 27 members had to update their rules and comply with at least the minimum requirement to guarantee new fathers 10 days of 100 per cent paid leave.

In Spain 19 weeks of leave

A particularly emblematic case in this regard is Spain. In the country, which has been distinguished for years by the generosity of its offer, an amendment that came into force in January further extends the benefits for couples. Upon the birth, adoption or fostering of a son or daughter, mothers and fathers have 19 weeks of fully paid, non-transferable leave at their disposal. Six weeks to be used immediately, eleven within twelve months and two to be used before the age of eight.

The Spanish proposal is not only a legislative innovation, but is continuing to change attitudes towards care. Meanwhile, the reforms introduced between 2017 and 2021, extending them from two to sixteen weeks, equalised leave for dads with the leave granted to mothers. Moreover, compared to the advanced Nordic models that do not impose specific restrictions, the one-year limit to use part of the leave and its non-transferability within the couple is a clear incentive for fathers to use it.

According to a study by the London School of Economics, ten years ago 46% of Spaniards used permits. In 2023, 75% did so. Since 2019, then, the take-up rate of dads for leave is higher than that of mothers (although, it should be noted, women are generally less likely to meet the requirements to benefit from leave).

Among other things, the greater involvement of fathers in the early years of their children's lives has had an impact on the country's social norms, mothers' participation in work and gender roles in the family.

Germany lags behind

While Spain and France have raised the bar when it comes to paternity leave, progress in Germany has stalled. Like the others, Berlin should have already adjusted to the EU minimums and thus guaranteed at least 10 paid days at the birth of a child. For now, however, the legislative process is delayed and the draft law is still subject to inter-ministerial review at the end of 2025. Given the delays, the EU itself has initiated infringement proceedings against the country.

In spite of everything, however, German fathers today can take non-specific 'parental leave', which in fact provide allowances that can be used by both parents. However, if these cover a percentage of the salary, they are income-related and may not exceed EUR 1,800 per month.