Experts recommend that the authorities should start developing a national policy to increase the birth rate, prioritize investments and reduce economic inequalities that prevent families from fully benefiting from existing measures. Diana Doroș, project coordinator at the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in an analytical note says that only through an integrated and long-term approach can the demographic decline in the Republic of Moldova be prevented.
The analysis shows that the Republic of Moldova has made important progress in terms of supporting families and stimulating the birth rate, through regulatory reforms and large-scale social measures. However, persistent social and economic disparities require more efficient solutions tailored to the needs of the population.
According to the author, the calculation of the maternity allowance from the higher income of one of the spouses has a positive impact on parents who have an employment contract and social contributions paid from high incomes. On the other hand, social inequality is amplified for insured mothers who do not meet the conditions for a full contribution period, due to the period of inactivity or for other reasons. The reform of leave for looking after childcare up to the age of 3 provides opportunities for parents with children to return to work with the maintenance of the monthly allowance. However, social and economic challenges continue to affect the impact of these measures.
For example, in rural areas, the average monthly allowance for raising a child up to 3 years old is 29% lower than in urban areas, reflecting economic inequalities. Also, the one-time childbirth allowance was increased to 20,000 lei in 2024, a significant support for families with children. However, the long-term impact of this measure is yet to be assessed. The increase in the amount of the monthly allowance for looking after children up to 2 years old from 740 lei to 1,000 lei and the granting of it to all parents with children regardless of their status in the public social security system is a positive measure, but it only partially covers the real expenses related to childcare. Extending monthly support for each child up to the age of 18 will reduce the financial burden on parents and encourage families to have more children.
The IPRE recommends that an impact analysis and ex-post evaluation of all current programs for families with children should be carried out. This will make it possible to identify their efficiency and effectiveness and will provide essential information for adjusting future programs in order to increase the benefits for families with children. Likewise, it is recommended to revise the calculation formula and the mechanisms for setting allowances.
The Institute also recommends identifying budgetary resources for gradually increasing direct financial support for families by age until the children reach the age of 18 and promoting financial incentives for children, which will reduce the financial burden on parents and stimulate natality.
