Andorra Accelerates Paternity Leave to 20 Weeks by 2030

Andorra's parliament is advancing a cross-party agreement to extend paternity leave from four weeks to 20 weeks by 2030, four years ahead of the government's initial plan, with the first increase to six weeks taking effect in 2026.

The pact emerged in the Social Affairs and Equality Commission as lawmakers reviewed amendments to the government's bill on equal treatment and opportunities for women and men in the workplace. The legislation, which also covers adoption and fostering cases, would align fathers' leave with the current 20 weeks for mothers. Officials had originally proposed adding two weeks annually over eight years to contain projected extra costs of €19.5 million, targeting full parity by 2033. Opposition groups—Concòrdia, the Social Democratic Party (PS), and Andorra Endavant (AE)—argued for faster implementation, with PS and AE seeking parity by 2027 and Concòrdia within three years.

Commission sources indicate the deal, initially brokered between Concòrdia and the government majority, accelerates the timeline to four years from 2027, though exact weekly increases for 2027-2029 remain under discussion. Lawmakers plan to finalise the amendment text next week before a full parliamentary vote in April, with the law entering force upon publication in the BOPA, likely in May. The 2026 increase to six weeks aligns with the approved budget, while further steps await next year's allocations.

Government officials expressed support for the changes on Thursday. Equality Policies Director Mireia Porras described the reforms as "positive discrimination" measures to promote work-life balance and drive social progress beyond education alone. Secretary of State for Equality Mariona Cadena noted productive commission work and said accelerating to 2030 appeared feasible, though she deferred final details to parliament. "I believe a very good text will emerge, and we can be satisfied that it will be an important measure for the country," she said.