Twin parents granted 13 extra weeks leave

In Denmark, the Folketing unanimously decided on Tuesday to grant each parent of twins an additional 13 weeks of maternity/paternity leave, making it a total of 26 extra weeks combined. This measure was announced by the Employment Ministry and aims to help parents manage the additional challenges of having two infants at the same time. The new terms become effective on May 1st. Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen stated that this has been a key priority, acknowledging the joy and challenges faced by parents of approximately 1000 twin pairs each year. The initiative stems from a political agreement within the 2023 finance law that involved the government and various parties. The extra leave must be taken before the children turn one and applies to all parents who have two or more children at the same birth or adoption. It replaces the existing rules for extra leave granted to parents of triplets or more.