Work-life-care balance & flexibility – Evaluating the EU Work-Life Balance Directive in 2026

Across Europe, millions of informal carers balance paid work with caring for a family member, friend or neighbour. But care rarely fits neatly into a calendar. Appointments change, emergencies happen, conditions fluctuate and caring responsibilities can arise at any moment. This care is essential to the wellbeing of individuals and to the sustainability of Europe’s care systems. Yet the realities of caring are still too often invisible in employment and social policies.