Moldova requires 300,000 more workers for EU-level productivity, Prime Minister
The Republic of Moldova requires at least 300,000 additional workers to meet the European Union's minimum productivity levels, as the labor shortage has emerged as a major issue for the economy, according to Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. He noted that the Moldovan economy grew by 2.4% last year, surpassing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates. The government's strategy continues to focus on encouraging investment and improving the population's income levels.
“We have calculated, and the Minister of Economy recently presented research results showing that if the Republic of Moldova were to reach the minimum level of labor productivity found in the European Union, it could generate an economic growth of 51%. However, to achieve this level, we need at least 300,000 workers,” stated Alexandru Munteanu.
Munteanu believes that the personnel deficit can only be reduced by attracting investments and creating better-paying jobs. He noted that many individuals in the diaspora might consider returning to the country if there are enough economic opportunities.
“Workers will go where there are jobs and good salaries. We have a diaspora that could return. I myself returned from the diaspora, just like other ministers in the government,” he explained.
In this context, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Republic of Moldova experienced economic growth of 2.4% last year, despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 's cautious forecasts.
“Even the IMF did not predict that we would achieve economic growth by the end of last year. They were forecasting approximately 0%, yet we recorded 2.4%,” Munteanu said.
Earlier this month, Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță stated that Moldova’s financial situation is “stable and predictable,” even though the economy continues to be affected by external crises and a slow pace of growth.
According to Gavriliță, Moldova’s economy still has growth prospects, although forecasts have been slightly adjusted downward due to fluctuations in the oil market and regional uncertainties. The minister indicated that authorities still estimate economic growth of over 2% this year.
According to the latest estimates from the National Bureau of Statistics, economic activity is expected to remain relatively stable in the second quarter of 2026. The manufacturing industry is anticipated to be one of the main drivers of economic growth, while trade and services are expected to develop at a more moderate pace.
