Source: European Parliament
EU equality legislation sets minimum standards for the protection of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, including fixed term workers[1].This includes a period of maternity leave of at least 14 weeks[2].
An assessment of the implementation of this directive has not shown problems or gaps in the implementation of the directive in Greece. T he Commission does not have sufficient information to provide a detailed answer and will conduct research on the matter.
The Work-Life Balance Directive[3] provides for minimum standards regarding the duration and remuneration of parental leave in all Member States.
The Commission is currently assessing the conformity of the implementation of the directive. If it considers that the transposing legislation in a Member State does not comply with the requirements of the directive, the Commission will take the necessary action.
In relation to the potential breach of the framework Agreement on fixed-term work annexed to Council Directive 1999/70/EC[4], , the Commission is aware that Greek law contains less favourable employment conditions for fixed-term teachers working in public schools compared to permanent teachers, including differences in relation to access to maternity leave and on 25 July 2024, it decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece (INFR(2024)4013)[5].
The explanations received from the Greek authorities were considered unsatisfactory and, on 7 May 2025, the Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Greece[6], which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures.
The Commission is open for dialogue and ready to provide guidance to Member States concerning correct implementation of the EU legislation.
- [1] Council Directive 92/85 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, OJ L348, 28.11.92, p. 1 e.s.
- [2] Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).
- [3] Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79-93.
- [4] Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999 concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP, OJ L 175, 10.7.1999, p. 43-4.
- [5] https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringement-decisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2024)4013&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate.
- [6] More information is available in the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_982.