The average pension in the Republic of Moldova covers only 42% of a person’s living expenses, placing the country among the lowest-ranked in Europe, according to an analysis by Moorepay cited by Euronews.
The data shows that in more than half of the 39 countries analyzed, pensions do not cover basic costs. The situation is particularly difficult in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Moldova is grouped with Ukraine and Albania, where pensions cover around 29% of expenses, and Georgia, where they cover only 22%, according to Bani.md.
By comparison, pensions in Romania cover about 73% of living costs. In Western and Northern Europe, the situation is significantly better: in Luxembourg pensions reach 225% of expenses, while in Italy and Finland they exceed 200%, offering retirees a much more stable standard of living.
The analysis highlights a clear regional gap: while pensions in Western Europe fully cover or exceed basic expenses, those in Eastern Europe, including Moldova, cover only part of what is needed.
Experts warn that pensioners in lower-income countries often rely on family support or additional income sources. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, about two-thirds of the income of people over 65 comes from public pensions.
In Moldova, the average pension in 2025 reached approximately 4,407 lei, while the minimum pension stood at 3,055 lei.