Miroslavs Mitrofanovs (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, the report on work—life balance was a long—term project for all of us involved. I’m not only talking about the period of time which was needed to reach the agreement, but the enormous intensity in all the negotiation process.

To conclude this process, which took several years overall, I would like to mention that the final deal improves the current framework of paternity, parental and carer’s leave. However, it is far from the original ambitious mandate of the European Parliament.

Me and my colleagues would want to see this directive more family— and people—oriented. Nevertheless, as a citizen and a father, I’m glad that finally, in EU documents, paternity leave with a duration of 10 days will be officially introduced. However, the payment at sick—pay level is certainly not enough.

I also consider the introduction of a new kind of leave – carer’s leave – as one of the visible achievements of the European Parliament in the social sphere during this legislative period.