---
title: "European pension gap: Moldova covers just 42% of basic needs"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/72601/european-pension-gap-moldova-covers-just-42-of-basic-needs
published: 2026-03-24T10:48:14Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "Justice"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# European pension gap: Moldova covers just 42% of basic needs

> State pensions cover basic living costs in less than half of European countries. In the Republic of Moldova, retirees receive only 42% of the funds required for a decent life, according to a recent Moorepay analysis.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/794851cb-749f-4d11-a95e-6cbf68dd4de9.jpg)

State pensions cover basic living costs in less than half of European countries. In the Republic of Moldova, retirees receive only 42% of the funds required for a decent life, according to a recent Moorepay analysis.

The study compared average pensions against the cost of living for single individuals across 39 states. While Luxembourg leads with pensions covering 225% of basic needs, Eastern Europe faces a systemic shortfall.

**The East-West divide**

Western and Northern European systems remain significantly more robust. In Italy and Finland, state support exceeds living costs by over 200%. Conversely, retirees in Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova cannot cover even half of their essential expenses.

Romania also sits below the threshold for a decent standard of living. Experts note that two-thirds of income for those over 65 in these regions comes from public funds. This leaves many dependent on family support or informal work.

**Moldova to approve pension hike**

The Moldovan Cabinet will meet on 25 March to address the shortfall. The government is expected to approve a 6.84% indexation effective from 1 April 2026.

The proposal includes an additional fixed increase of approximately €2.60 (51.33 MDL). Following these measures, the minimum old-age pension will rise to roughly €168 (3,264 MDL).

For those with a contribution period of at least 40 years, the minimum payment will reach €181 (3,525 MDL). Despite the adjustment, the total remains significantly below the regional average for purchasing power.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**