---
title: "Moldova targets EU wage standards amid income growth"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/75595/moldova-targets-eu-wage-standards-amid-income-growth
published: 2026-05-02T11:02:34Z
language: en
author: "Rodica Mazur"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldova targets EU wage standards amid income growth

> Average monthly salaries in Chisinau-controlled Moldova have reached 17,174 MDL (€876), more than double the 8,004 MDL (€408) recorded in the Transnistrian region.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/54e65b0e-db2a-4339-8be4-8c57655ab362.jpg)

Average monthly salaries in Chisinau-controlled Moldova have reached 17,174 MDL (€876), more than double the 8,004 MDL (€408) recorded in the Transnistrian region.

Economic expert Veaceslav Ionita of IDIS Viitorul highlights a radical shift since 2015, when salaries in the separatist region actually exceeded those in the capital.

**Growth of high-income earners**

The number of employees earning over €1,000 monthly has surged from 3,800 in 2015 to an estimated 142,100 by 2026.

Those earning over €2,000 (approx. 39,200 MDL) are projected to reach 20,100 individuals next year, reflecting a strengthening middle class.

Official millionaires have also seen a tenfold increase, rising from 1,017 individuals in 2015 to over 10,000 by 2025.

**The EU minimum wage challenge**

Despite rising wealth, the minimum wage remains a concern for European integration. The 2026 estimate of 6,300 MDL (€321) represents only 36.7% of the average salary.

To meet the EU standard of 50%, Ionita argues the minimum wage should reach at least 8,000 MDL (approx. 156,800 MDL).

"The Republic of Moldova must establish a clear plan to align its minimum wage with the 50% European benchmark," the expert concluded.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**