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Vote: Improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, Amendment 12=38, October 2010.

Gender equality is one of the EU's fundamental rights. Despite significant achievements over the last few decades, however, gender gaps remain in the labour market. They have even widened as a result of the economic crisis.

The legislation covering the extension of maternity leave is part of an EU strategy aiming at eliminating gender gaps and bringing about economic independence for working women and mothers. The gender gap is sometimes seen as a consequence of differing views on the role of women and men in society. As a result of the way society is organised, women often have to choose between being a mother and pursuing a professional career.

The key provision of the text - increasing maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks on full pay -is therefore aimed at promoting equality between men and women in the labour market. By giving women the right to return to work under the same conditions after their maternity leave, the proposal aims to encourage women to go back to work after a certain period of time. And by regulating paternity leave, it also aims to promote active parenthood with shared responsibilities. But some fear that in the current economic situation this measure could become a burden for businesses which would not be able to afford it.