Andorra Accelerates Paternity Leave to Match Maternity at 20 Weeks by 2030

The Social Affairs and Equality Commission of the Consell General has agreed to accelerate the expansion of paternity leave, reaching full parity with maternity leave at 20 weeks by 2030—three years ahead of the government's original 2033 timeline.

The commission finalised this key provision on Monday as part of the draft Law for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and Opportunities between Women and Men in the Workplace. The measure, which also covers adoption and fostering cases, will increase paternity leave from its current four weeks in stages.

Once the law takes effect—expected by late May following approval at the Consell General's ordinary session on 30 April, sanction by the Coprinces, and publication in the BOPA—fathers will receive six weeks in 2026, up from the two additional weeks already budgeted for this year.

The rollout then progresses as follows: 10 weeks in 2027, 14 in 2028, 17 in 2029, and 20 in 2030. This compromise, incorporating an amendment from Concòrdia and backed by the majority, balances the government's concerns over costs with opposition demands for faster implementation. The initial plan had foreseen a slower increase of two weeks per year over eight years.

Commission sources note the pace quickens in the early years before easing, making the economic impact more manageable. The text includes a clause mandating an economic impact study after three quarters, potentially allowing further acceleration if budgets permit.

Other details remain under discussion, including provisions for self-employed workers, ahead of the final text's approval.