Il presente contributo è destinato agli Studi in memoria di Massimo Roccella
The essay focuses on the core issue of the conciliation and sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men, in gender equality perspective, considering the Directive 19/1158 “Work-Life Balance”, not yet completely transposed by national legislation, and analysing recent EUCJ decisions on this topic. Some problems need a cultural change at work and in society and new legal solutions. For this purpose, the study investigates how to promote the effectiveness of paternity leave, for example also by introducing sanctions, and to extend the entitlement to family leave beyond the traditional family’s structure. Other considerations concern flexible work arrangements according to the Directive’s provisions compared with the Italian system.