On Mother's Day, October 14, 2025, News.by aired a video report suggesting that "the global demographic crisis is manufactured and deliberately created by governments" of "the world's most prosperous countries."
"In Europe, where they pride themselves on their social services, things are far from rosy. Healthcare here is also insurance-based, so if you're lucky, you won't have to pay for childbirth. But the situation with parental leave is much worse," said reporter Aleh Ramanau. The segment then showed a young woman who was not identified. She said that "maternity leave in France lasts 16 weeks — six weeks before childbirth and 10 weeks after, and then one of the parents, whether mother or father, can take childcare leave until the child is two and a half years old, but without pay."
Ramanau then continued: "In most European countries, mothers receive a one-time payment — from €250 in Germany to €320 in Estonia. Given the cost of living in the eurozone, that's frankly quite modest. Some countries also provide monthly benefits, but nowhere is it sufficient to fully support a child."
The reporter said nothing about the fact that in France, families receive a basic benefit for three years from the child's birth in lieu of salary. The amount depends on the family's income: the higher the income, the lower the benefit. The maximum amount is €197 per month. There's also an education benefit for parents who put their careers on hold. To qualify, you must have worked at least two years before the child's birth. The benefit is up to €456 per month for six months.
In Germany, the €255 benefit (Kindergeld) is not a one-time payment but is paid monthly until age 18. If a mother reduces her work hours after childbirth or doesn't work at all, she receives 65% to 100% of her salary for up to a year.
The reporter also failed to mention that Estonian families receive €80 per month for each of their first two children until they turn 19. The third and subsequent children qualify for €100 per month. Mothers also receive parental compensation for 475 days while caring for a young child, based on salary level, with a minimum of €820 per month.
Childcare benefits in European countries may indeed seem modest given local prices. But parents also receive payments from insurance contributions based on their salary levels. By comparison, in Belarus, salary is not maintained during maternity leave; mothers receive a monthly state benefit for three years regardless of salary level. Currently it's about €270 for the first child, €308 for the second and subsequent children, and €346 for a child with disabilities.
