"In the last few years, the European Union has made several efforts to update and reform its regulatory framework in the field of reconciliation of work and family life. The present article focuses on the outcomes of those efforts, with special attention being given to the European Parliament's position regarding the revision of the Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Directive. In spite of establishing an entitlement to paternity leave for the first time at the European level, this legislative proposal contains several provisions we find problematic for the promotion of greater gender equality. We think that the European Union should not only implement a more transformative and egalitarian approach with respect to parenting, but also move towards the adoption of a directive establishing an integrated system of family leaves based on a life cycle approach. In this article, we present our view of what a comprehensive directive on care could be like and argue for the adoption of a proactive strategy focusing on men's rights to reconciliation in order to reduce employers' resistance to men's use of reconciliation policies and to promote role models for men as caregivers."

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