June 2015, As foreseen in its 2015 Work Programme, the Commission yesterday reviewed progress on the draft Maternity leave Directive, which has been stuck in the legislative process since 2008. The lack of progress by the co-legislators, despite the Commission’s continuous and intensive efforts to facilitate an agreement, means the Commission has decided to withdraw its proposal. This opens the way for a fresh approach to meet the policy objectives of improving the protection of mothers, better reconciling professional and family life and facilitating female participation in the labour market.