MADRID, Spain: Spain is set to expand its paid parental leave policy, granting new fathers and mothers an additional week of time off after childbirth. The move brings the country's fully paid birth leave to 17 weeks for both parents, reinforcing Spain's position among the most progressive in Europe on family leave policies.

Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz announced the update at a press conference this week, framing the move as a step forward for gender equality. "Spain is moving towards feminism and equality... and there will be no turning back. We are looking forward," Díaz said. "Four out of ten men in our country now take parental leave. And this is a feminist achievement."

Spain now joins Finland as one of only two EU nations offering equal, fully paid birth leave to both mothers and fathers.

In addition to the one-week increase in post-birth leave, the government approved two more weeks of paid leave that can be taken flexibly until the child turns eight.

The measure still requires formal approval in parliament. Although the ruling Socialist Party and its junior coalition partner, Sumar, led by Díaz, had campaigned in 2023 on a promise of 20 weeks' birth leave, the newly proposed package falls short of that target.

Support from other political groups will be essential. The Podemos party, positioned further to the left, has advocated for even longer leave periods and is one of several smaller factions whose votes the minority government must secure.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose Socialist-led coalition holds a minority in parliament, continues to face difficulties in passing legislation due to ongoing negotiations with multiple political blocs. Still, Díaz expressed optimism, noting that parliamentary responses to the proposal had been "positive."

While some EU countries, such as Croatia, Ireland, and Bulgaria, offer longer maternity leave, their policies tend to be less generous or unequal regarding leave for fathers.