DISINFO: Countries who join the EU poor remain poor
SUMMARY
If you join the EU poor, you'll stay poor. Moldova's accession to the European Union does not guarantee prosperity – opinion. Feel Moldova's future in the European Union. You join the EU poor, and you stay poor. Romania is an example, but Bulgarians are at the highest risk of poverty in Europe.
RESPONSE
Pro Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to discourage the population from supporting Moldova's accession to the EU. EU membership offers states greater opportunities to improve their economic situation through access to the single market, EU internal market policies, and financial support instruments.
The claim refers to the latest Eurostat data, for 2025, which shows that Bulgaria remains in first position in the ranking of the risk of poverty or social exclusion. However, it does not mention that Bulgaria, like Romania, which ranked among the highest in some years, has nevertheless reduced the proportion of its population at risk in recent years. In 2008, immediately after its accession to EU, Bulgaria had 44,8% of its population at risk of poverty or social exclusion, in 2017 - 38.9%, and in 2025 this percentage dropped to 29%. Similarly, Romania had, in 2008 – 44,2% of its population at risk of poverty or social exclusion, in 2017 - 35.7%, and in 2025 - only 27.4% of population in that risk. In 2008 the EU average of this risk was 23.7% of the population, in 2025 it is 20.9% of the population. Although both countries remain above the EU average, the data show a sustained reduction in poverty and social exclusion risks.
See similar cases: Europe’s fall continues and poverty is knocking at the door, Moldovan workers live in poverty after the European integration has started, More residents in the EU facing risk of poverty than in other places.