France rolls out new birth‑leave scheme and 5% parental pension boost in July 2026

From 1 July 2026 France introduces a supplementary birth‑leave (CSN) that can be taken within nine months of a child's arrival. It is paid at 70 % of salary for the first month and 60 % for the second, up to a €4,005 monthly cap, and must be requested at least one month in advance.

The same date sees a 7.4 % rise in the reference gas price to €164.21/MWh, translating to roughly €2.70 extra on an average household bill. A new €3 per‑item tax applies to online purchases under €150 from non‑EU sellers, while the social‑leasing programme for electric vehicles returns on 16 July, targeting 50 000 low‑income households with monthly rentals of €100‑200.

In parallel, a parental pension surcharge for mothers of families—introduced by the 2023 pension reform—offers an increase of up to 5 % of the base pension. The boost, limited to women born on or after 1 April 1965, grants 1.25 % per additional quarter worked after achieving the required contribution period, up to four quarters. Eligibility also requires at least one child‑related quarter and compliance with the gradually rising legal retirement age, which will reach 64 years for later cohorts. Estimates suggest between 50 000 and 80 000 women could benefit.