This extension addresses the need to adapt Spanish legislation to European Union directives on work-life balance. Currently, the leave stands at 16 weeks, and the increase to 18 weeks represents a step towards fully equalizing care rights between both parents.

The regulation stipulates that these two additional weeks will be non-transferable and added to the already established period. The primary goal is to promote co-responsibility in the care of children from the earliest moments of life, a crucial aspect for effective equality.

The announcement, recently made public, is part of a package of social measures that the Ministry of Social Rights is promoting to improve the quality of life for families and ensure better early childhood care.

Although the implementation is scheduled for 2026, unions and family platforms have welcomed the progress, although some are calling for faster implementation and an extension up to 24 weeks, following the example of other European Union countries.