In 2023, reports indicated a decline in the involvement of youth in decision-making and public policy implementation in Moldova. By early 2024, statistics revealed that Moldova’s population was 3.3 million, with young people making up over a quarter of this figure. Further analysis reveals that 72% of community youth programs fail to meet the population’s needs effectively, particularly those of the most vulnerable citizens. This situation highlights a significant gap between the objectives of youth programs and the actual needs of young Moldovans.

Economic Challenges and Depopulation

Moldova is facing significant depopulation, primarily due to the high emigration rates among young people. This trend presents a critical challenge to the economy, potentially limiting national development and restricting access to essential services. As one of Europe’s poorest countries, economic downturns disproportionately affect families with children, exacerbating the risk of poverty. Although there have been overall improvements in recent years, Moldova continues to experience high poverty rates, with child poverty being a major concern.

Youth and Social Policy

In 2020, Moldova recorded a child poverty rate of 26%. Households with multiple children, as well as those headed by a self-employed, unemployed or single-working parent, are particularly vulnerable to poverty. Current social policies fail to meet the needs of children living in poverty. Despite this policy gap, 72.7% of households with children reported satisfactory living conditions in recent years.

Educational and Employment Challenges

In Moldova, the youth population contends with significant challenges in education, employment, health and civic participation. Although 39% of 25 to 29-year-olds hold high-ranking degrees, the quality of education often fails to meet satisfactory standards. Many Moldovans remain disengaged from education and employment opportunities, complicating efforts to empower this generation with suitable jobs. Despite a general decline in poverty rates in recent years, the country faces hurdles in achieving economic growth, compounded by high emigration rates that particularly affect young citizens. Currently, 29% of Moldova’s youth are unemployed, a rate that exceeds many other countries and fosters social exclusion among this demographic. Prioritizing youth development is essential for Moldova’s national progress.

Various factors contribute to youth unemployment beyond economic challenges. Individual circumstances often require young people to assume caregiving responsibilities, leading them to become homemakers rather than active job seekers. Additionally, many young Moldovans plan to emigrate in search of better job opportunities that match their skills and qualifications. This trend is particularly pronounced among the most vulnerable segments of the youth population. Those from impoverished families, orphaned children or residents of rural areas face significant barriers to accessing education, further limiting their employment prospects.

The Youth Participation Program Initiative

Following youth-led protests in 2009, which demanded fairer governmental procedures and inclusion in policymaking, the Eurasia Foundation initiated the Youth Participation Program (YPP) in Moldova. This program aimed to channel the passion of the youth toward enhancing their country’s economy. To build momentum, the Eurasia Foundation collaborated with Moldova’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, organizing a series of youth debates across the country in partnership with Ministry representatives. These debates highlighted the perspectives of young people on policy reforms. The culmination of these efforts was the National Youth Forum, providing a platform for young Moldovans to discuss the 2009 to 2013 Youth Strategy directly with government officials.

Youth Sector Development Strategy

In 2023, the Moldovan government approved the “Youth 2030” Development Strategy, which targets three main objectives to bolster the nation’s youth. This strategy is designed to expand access to youth programs and enhance the participation of young Moldovans in voicing their ideas for the country’s future. Despite the absence of a specific public policy dedicated to the social inclusion of young people, the Youth 2030 strategy represents a comprehensive effort to unify various institutions that influence youth development and empower young citizens in Moldova.

Looking Ahead

Moldova’s initiatives to engage and support its youth are intended to contribute to the nation’s future development. The “Youth 2030” Development Strategy seeks to address significant gaps in youth participation and to improve access to essential programs. Addressing the root causes of emigration and enhancing opportunities for young people could be vital in fostering a more prosperous and stable society. By prioritizing youth inclusion and development, Moldova can potentially build a stronger, more resilient future.

– Brogan Dickson

Brogan is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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