Parental leave in the EU: eligibility, policy synergies, and encouraging shared care

The main objective of this procedure is to analyse parental leave policy designs in EU Member States specifically focusing on eligibility for leave, their synergies with ECEC services and measures promoting men’s engagement in informal care. The thematic focus of the Gender Equality Index 2026 will analyse the design of parental leave policies across EU Member States as a key component of successful and gender equal work- life balance. More specifically, it will focus on parental leave eligibility criteria, the synergies (or gaps) between parental leave policies and early childhood education and care system, and policy measures designed to encourage greater uptake of parental leave among men.