Maternity leave for staff employed by the European Union institutions is governed by the EU’s Staff Regulations, particularly, Article 58. It provides for a minimum maternity leave period of 20 weeks, with the possibility of extending it in certain circumstances. In the case of multiple births or premature birth or the birth of a child with a disability or serious illness, the maternity leave duration shall be 24 weeks.

Key points about maternity leave in EU institutions:

1. Duration: The standard maternity leave is 20 weeks, which includes 6 weeks of prenatal leave and 14 weeks of postnatal leave.
2. Pay and Allowances: During maternity leave, staff members receive their full remuneration, including allowances.
3. Extensions: The leave can be extended if the mother’s state of health requires it.
4. Additional Leave: After maternity leave, EU staff are entitled to take parental leave, which can be up to 6 months in duration for each parent. New parents can also opt to shift to part-time work with the corresponding decrease in salary.