Maternity & Paternity Leave in Europe vs United States
- European Union (recommended minimum under EU Social Charter): At least three months per employee, available up until a child's eighth birthday. Payment left to the discretion of member states; partners may each claim the entitlement, but not at the same time.
- Sweden: 16 months on 80 percent of salary, until child reaches eight years old. Can be shared between father and mother, with an incentive specifying at least two months for father. Similar systems exist in the other Nordic countries. Swedes enjoy one of the most generous /maternity paternity leave policies in the world.
- Germany: 12 months, up until age of three. Paid 67 percent of salary, to a limit of 1,800 euros (2,730 dollars) a month; incentive for fathers to take at least two months.
- France: 12 months, renewable twice up to child's third birthday. Some parents can claim a basic monthly allowance, currently €536 ($815) per month. No incentive for fathers.
- Denmark: 1 year. To be shared between the parents as they see fit.
- Norway: 12.5 months (80%) or 44 weeks (10 months) (100%) - mother must take at least 3 weeks immediately before birth and 6 weeks immediately after birth, father must take at least 6 weeks - the rest can be shared between mother and father.
- United States: A federal law provides for up to 12 weeks a year, unpaid, to look after a newborn child or meet certain other family contingencies. Only applies to firms employing over 50 people, and companies can claim exemptions. Both parents can claim, but no incentive for fathers.
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