Minister Iva and Commissioner Jourová Discussed the Work-Life Balance Principles in the EU

Estonian Minister of Social Protection, Kaia Iva met on March 3 in Brussels with the Commissioner for Justice, Consumer Protection and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová i to discuss EUs future plans in setting common principles of work-life balance in the EU.

Minister of Social Protection, Kaia Iva: „Family policy should meet with modern working conditions that often allow people to work from home, and offer better possibilities for balancing work and family life. We also need to reduce people’s care burden and facilitate women’s economic independence. It is a matter of gender equality, economy and happier families. As Estonian Presidency of the EU is approaching, we look forward to the European Commission’s proposal for reconciliation of work and family life.”

As part of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission has promised to renew the principles of parental leave (including paternity leave) and carer’s leave, as well as agree on objectives for ensuring childcare availability.

The Commission launched a public consultation on the European Pillar of Social Rights in March last year. Concrete proposals are expected in spring 2017.