France implements new parental retirement and birth leave policies

France is implementing new social policies affecting parents and retirees. Starting September 1, 2026, legislative changes will allow up to two quarters related to child-rearing to be included in the calculation of contributed duration for early retirement due to long careers. This measure is estimated to allow more than 13,000 women born from 1970 onwards to retire earlier.

Separately, a new supplementary birth leave policy that went into effect on July 1, 2026, is facing administrative challenges. The policy, intended to support demographic goals, allows both parents to take two additional months of leave, partially compensated by Social Security. However, many young parents have reported significant delays in receiving these indemnity payments, causing financial difficulties.