Moldova's population has fallen by 13 per cent over the last 10 years. Depopulation is particularly severe in rural areas. However, various European programmes offer opportunities for people to return to smaller settlements. People are hopeful that the start of substantive accession negotiations between Moldova and the European Union, which began in June, will provide even greater opportunities for the development of rural areas.
Cheperia is one of the three villages in the Shumen region. In 2004, the village had 622 inhabitants. Twenty years later, census figures show that the population stands at 238. Kristina and her family grow crops to make a living.
Kristina Gurunčić, a resident of Cheparija: "We grow all sorts of things – bit by bit. We've now moved on to flowers; last year we were growing tomatoes."
In Shumna, after which the municipality is named, there are officially 35 residents. The depopulation began many years ago, explains Mayor Antonina Sharban. The 1998 economic crisis in Russia also played a major role. The reason: Moldova lost its largest market for agricultural produce.
Antonina Sharban, Mayor of Shumna: "When the collective farm broke up, people started leaving the villages. Because there are no jobs and no stability. We had a nursery school, but in 2024 we were forced to close it because there were no children."
Mihaileni is just 25 km from Shumna. There are two nurseries here, upgraded infrastructure and even a day centre for older people. According to figures from 2024, 2,800 people live here. Moldova's aspiration to join the EU, as well as the visa-free regime, play a part, but the main reason for the region's prosperity is the European programmes and the funding they provide.
Valerian Chekan, Mayor of Mihaileni: "We began with community projects and the involvement of local residents. The secondary school building was refurbished; we replaced the roof and the drainage system. The nursery schools were also refurbished. We repaired the water supply and heating systems."
Elizabeta Yusanu went to work abroad in 1998. Eight years later, she returned to Mihaileni and set up her own business – a function room. She employed five of her fellow villagers.
Elisaveta Yusanu, a small business owner: "Years ago, more people were leaving. That's not the case now. I think life in Mihaileni is becoming more attractive to people."
Mihaileni is home to 45 private businesses, eight of which are run by young entrepreneurs. One of them is Vitalie Iarmaliuk. He graduated from the Technical University of Chișinău and, after working in the United States, returned to his home village. In 2012, with European funding, he set up his own business producing biomass briquettes. Over the years, and thanks to European funding, he has managed to expand his operations and now also produces pellets. He employs six people, whose average salary is 750 euros, whilst the national average wage is around 850 euros. For Vitalie, Moldova's accession to the wider European family is of key importance.
Vitalie Iarmaliuk, entrepreneur: "Moldova's accession to the European Union will certainly create more opportunities. We will have access to pre-accession agreements and funding, which will enable us to invest in both public infrastructure and business, and this will create well-paid jobs."
According to the mayor of Mihayelni, the key to development is good infrastructure.
Valerian Chekan, mayor of Mihaileni: "The construction of a road from the motorway to the village has opened up new opportunities – people can live here whilst working in regional centres such as Rășcani or Drochia, because the journey from home to work takes just 15 minutes."
The administration also hopes that, with Moldova's accession to the EU, the depopulation of rural areas will decrease.
Marina Albu, Chair of the Rural Communities Development Network: "The European Union has developed and implemented various instruments aimed at slowing down the depopulation of rural areas. Once the Republic of Moldova becomes a member of the European Union, it too will be able to benefit from these instruments."
So there will be more and more places like Mihaileni.
An article written by Теодора Гатева (BNT), initially published on 29 September 2026, 05:30 (CEST)
