Based on Directive 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 July 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU (“Work-Life Balance Directive”), as of 2 August 2022 all Member States shall apply rules to improve work-life balance for parents and carers. In particular, Member States must ensure for working fathers at least 10 working days of paternity leave around the time of birth of the child and the paternity leave should be compensated at least at the level of sick pay.
The relevant provisions of the Hungarian Labour Code as of now ensure 5 days (7 in case of twins) for paternity leave.
However, the Hungarian Labour Code has not yet been amended. According to the information provided by the Innovation and Technology Ministry, the work to implement the regulation of the Work-Life Balance Directive is in progress, and therefore the amendment of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code in the near future is expected.
By Rita Parkanyi, Partner, KCG Partners Law Firm
