NO ONE COMES - THE LEAST VISITED COUNTRY IN EUROPE

Moldova: Europe's Poorest Country?

Economic Challenges and Historical Context

• Moldova is currently regarded as the poorest country in Europe, competing closely with Ukraine for this title. The Soviet era saw a brief acceleration in its agricultural industry, which has since declined significantly.

• Following independence, Moldova faced severe economic setbacks exacerbated by internal conflicts, particularly with the separatist region of Transnistria.

Living Conditions and Migration Trends

• A staggering 41% of Moldova's population lives on less than 5 EUR per day, marking it as the lowest income level across European states.

• Since 1999, approximately 50,000 people emigrate annually in search of better opportunities. Young Moldovans can obtain Romanian passports through descent to access the EU labor market more easily.

Identity and Language Factors in Migration

• Migration patterns are influenced not only by economic factors but also by identity and language; Russian-speaking Moldovans tend to migrate towards Russia while Romanian speakers prefer EU countries.

• Many young Moldovans leave for countries like Romania, Austria, Italy, or Germany after completing their studies. This trend contributes to a significant brain drain from the country.

Rural vs Urban Migration Dynamics

• There is also an internal migration trend where individuals move from rural areas to urban centers like Chișinău. The Gagauz Autonomous Region faces high emigration rates toward Russia and other neighboring countries.

• Moldova struggles with high infant mortality rates and low life expectancy (73 years for women and 65 years for men), further contributing to a declining population.

Social Issues and Future Prospects

• The informal economy includes over 12,000 women entrepreneurs involved in sex work due to lack of legal protections. Many end up working abroad in countries such as Turkey or Cyprus.

• With empty schools and villages becoming common sights, many Moldovans see EU membership as a potential solution to their problems. However, concerns remain about becoming economically dependent on Brussels similar to Baltic states' experiences post-EU accession.