Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Law - Public Law / Miscellaneous, grade: A, University of New Orleans, language: English, abstract: The hypothesis discussed in this paper is: A change in the law regarding paternity leave would not have a significant impact on the caring situation of parents in Austria if no additional measures are taken. To discuss this hypothesis, the term paper first introduces the legal foundation regarding the topic child care in Austria and the European Union. The terms, parental leave, maternity leave as well as paternity leave in Austria are explained. Additionally, the new European Union regulation regarding paternity leave will be explicated. The focus of this chapter lies clearly on paternity leave. Second, the current debate in Austria regarding paternity leave will be described as well as the different interest groups will be identified. Third, the term paper will describe paternity leave in other countries of the European Union. The chapter will thereby give first a general overview about the situation regarding paternity leave in Europe and will then explain the regulations in Great Britain, France and Sweden in more detail. In the end, the paper will analyze the above-mentioned hypothesis, including personal thought of the author.