(AGENPARL) – Mon 16 June 2025 [1] scribo-webmail-logo [11]
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Press release
16-06-2025
European Parliament to strengthen maternity rules for MEPs [3]
President Metsola has outlined plans to strengthen maternity rules for Members of the European Parliament.
President Metsola today informed the Bureau of new initiatives that continue the reforms to modernise Parliament. The planned measures will strengthen maternity rules for Members of the European Parliament who wish to continue to carry out their parliamentary duties and speak for their constituents during this period.
If adopted, these reforms would make the European Parliament one of the most modern and inclusive parliaments in the world when it comes to maternity rules.
“No elected representative should have to choose between their mandate and parenthood,” said President Metsola. “By modernising our rules, we are standing up for fairness, equality and a Parliament that truly reflects the people it serves. We must practice what we preach.”
Next steps*
Parliament’s Bureau will consider a targeted review of the Implementing Measures for the Statute for MEPs by the autumn, including a dedicated section on maternity absences, building on existing rights.
Parliament will also propose a targeted revision of the European Electoral Act to allow Member States to introduce proxy voting — enabling MEPs who are on parental leave to delegate their plenary vote to another Member of their choice. President Metsola will present this request to the European Council on 26 June.
With these changes, the European Parliament aims to lead by example in advancing institutional fairness and inclusion.
Background*
Pregnant Members already have the right to be excused from meetings three months before and six months after giving birth. This right will be codified and extended to other cases of parenthood by adding a dedicated chapter on periods of absences to the Implementing Measures for the Statute for MEPs.
According to the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS) analysis of practices in national parliaments across the EU, very few parliamentary assemblies have adopted provisions allowing national members of parliament on maternity or paternity leave to continue fulfilling their parliamentary duties.
Further information
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EU Electoral Law
[5] scribo-webmail-arrow [14]
EPRS study on maternity and paternity leave in the EU
Delphine COLARD
Spokesperson and Head of Spokesperson’s Unit
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Jüri LAAS
Spokesperson of the President
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