Maria Gabriela Zoană (S&D), in writing. – First of all, I want to congratulate the agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council, under the Presidency of Romania. Promoting gender equality in employment is one of priorities for Romanian Presidency. The Directive on Work-life Balance, once enter into force, will have significant influences on working parents and carers across Europe, particularly on women’s empowerment. It’s the first time at the EU level to regulate 10-day paternity leave for fathers, paid at sick leave level and 2-month non-transferable parental leave between fathers and mothers, which will greatly encourage men to take more caring responsibilities at home. I believe this Directive will be a cornerstone in the European Pillar of Social Rights. This is one of initial legislative steps improving women’s economic independence. I much expect its adoption. And we will closely follow up its implementation in Member States. I hope that, in the next mandate, more legislative efforts on women’s empowerment will be initiated.