# Maternity leave

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/glossary/maternity-leave/
- Published: 2024-03-18T20:04:13+01:00
- Author: Ben

Maternity leave for staff employed by the European Union institutions is governed
by the EU’s [Staff Regulations](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/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](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/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](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/allowances/)**: During 
    maternity leave, staff members receive their full remuneration, including [allowances](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/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.