Know your rights
Everyone has the right to respect for his or her private and family life, home and communications.
This right is enshrined in article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What to do if your rights have been breached
The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.
Addressing your complaint to the relevant national authority, government, national courts or a specialised human rights body.
What the European Union is doing to protect your rights
Law
Directive 92/85/EEC recognises pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth and women who are breastfeeding as a specific risk group, and their health and safety are protected.
The rules also cover maternity leave and discrimination in the workplace.
Discrimination on grounds of pregnancy is also covered by the legislation on equal treatment in employment and occupation.
Directive 2010/18/EU sets out minimum requirements on parental leave and time off from work on grounds of force majeure.
The directive aims to reconcile work and family life and to promote equal opportunities for men and women in the labour market. It sets out minimum requirements on parental leave for male and female workers, and related employment protection.
Related rights
Chapter 2 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is on freedoms. This chapter also contains the following rights
- right to liberty and security
- respect for private and family life
- protection of personal data
- right to marry and right to found a family
- freedom of thought, conscience and religion
- freedom of expression and information
- freedom of assembly and of association
- freedom of the arts and sciences
- right to education
- freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work
- freedom to conduct a business
- right to property
- right to asylum
- protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition