Self-Employed Benefits - EU Draft Law

EU member states should organise social protection, including at least 14 weeks maternity allowance, for self-employed women and self-employed men's wives or life partners, according to a new draft directive set to be debated this month in the European Parliament.

The draft was initiated by the Women's Rights Committee and approved by Astrid Lulling (EPP, LU) with 29 votes in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.

As pregnant self-employed women and self-employed men's pregnant spouses or life partners are economically and physically vulnerable, it is necessary to grant them the right to maternity benefits, say MEPs.

The duration of maternity benefits granted to self-employed women and self-employed workers' female spouses or life partners (where recognised by national law), should be similar to that maternity leave for employees currently in place at EU level, said MEPs.

A sufficient maternity allowance to cover interruptions in their work for at least 14 weeks should be granted by all Member States in cases of pregnancy or motherhood of self-employed women and wives and life partners, says an amendment inserted by the committee.