Renate Weber, on behalf of the ALDE Group. – Madam President, I thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for their work. My expectations for this directive were more in line with the Commission’s ambitious proposal. In this House we managed to take it to a higher level, but after tough and lengthy negotiations with the Council the final text has lost in potential. I would have liked stronger provisions on paternity leave, and levels of payment on parental leave, because there are studies which clearly indicate that a percentage of around 85% of workers’ salary represents an incentive for men to make use of their parental leave entitlement. Otherwise, the burden will continue to be on women.

The final negotiations between the two co—legislators couldn’t reach an agreement on these aspects. Too much is left in the hands of the Member States and in the end there is little changed compared to the current situation. It is a step forward, but a very small step.

In relation to carers’ leave, this directive brings a true novelty at the European level, but I regret to say that Member States have been too reluctant or cautious in their approach. Studies prove that, due to the responsibility of caring for a sick or elderly member of their family, women are always at the forefront, at the expense of their jobs, careers, financial independence, decent pensions and, of course, social life. However, the text stands for a step forward. Although it is not revolutionary, at least we are now talking about a paid paternity leave entitlement at the EU level, about two months’ non—transferable and paid parental leave and five days of carers’ leave.

Last but not least, EU citizens are entitled to ask for flexible working arrangements to balance working patterns with their individual and family needs. I can but hope that we will improve this in the future.