Swedish environment minister brings baby to EU meeting

Sweden's Environment Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, brought her three-month-old son to a European Union ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in a move officials believe is unprecedented for such a gathering. The minister, who was attending talks on climate change policies, said her action was intended to demonstrate that it is possible to be both a present parent and a present minister.

Pourmokhtari, 30, arrived at the EU Council meeting with her son, Adam, carried in a sling and accompanied by an aide with a stroller. She told journalists she was happy to be an example of not having to choose between being a present minister and a present mother. An EU official confirmed it was thought to be the first time a baby had attended a ministerial meeting of the bloc.

The minister had recently returned from parental leave, while her husband is currently on leave and traveled with her to Luxembourg to care for their child. She highlighted Sweden's generous parental leave system, which provides about 16 months of paid leave in total, with 90 days reserved specifically for each parent to encourage shared caregiving. Pourmokhtari credited this policy and support...