The Crețu family: A portrait of Demographic Resilience in Moldova

The Generations and Gender Study (Wave II) confirms this aspiration: most Moldovans say that 2–3 children is the perfect number. Yet reality paints a different picture. In 2024, the country’s total fertility rate stood at just 1.66 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability.

This gap between dreams and reality is shaped by economic hardship, high costs of raising children, and limited access to housing and family support services. Against this backdrop, Serghei and Emilia Crețu have built a life together over 16 years, raising three children—Daria (15), Damian (13), and Nicolae (10)—and proving that resilience and shared responsibility can turn aspirations into reality.

They met as students, united by a passion for music, and both graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the State University of Moldova. Emilia pursued a career in communications, while Serghei’s path was more varied—vocalist, sales consultant, bank officer, and now geotechnical engineer.

“All three children were planned, wanted, and awaited,” Emilia recalls. “They changed our lives, made us more mature and stronger.” Serghei adds: “We wanted four children but stopped at three due to health issues and the high costs of raising a child. Each pregnancy was a conscious decision we made together.”

Their approach to family life is rooted in equality. Serghei is actively involved in household chores, schoolwork, and playtime. “It’s important for a father to be present, to show that family is a shared responsibility,” he says. This philosophy has shaped their children, who are encouraged to take part in daily tasks and decisions, learning responsibility and collaboration from an early age.

Evenings are special in the Crețu household. After dinner, the family gathers on the carpet to sing or share stories. “These moments connect us the most,” Emilia explains. “Children need to know their parents are there, available and attentive.”

Yet, like many young families in Moldova, they face challenges: modest salaries, rising expenses, and limited state support. “We were lucky to inherit a house from our grandparents,” Serghei admits. “Otherwise, I don’t know how we would have managed. Housing prices are enormous compared to incomes, and bank loans are hard to bear for families with many children.”

The numbers reflect their struggle. In 2024, Moldova registered 23,648 births, compared to over 38,000 two decades ago. The average age of mothers at first birth has increased by 1.5 years compared to 2023, showing that families are postponing parenthood. Combined with mass migration and population aging, the demographic outlook is stark: according to UN forecasts released in 2024, Moldova could lose nearly one-third of its population by 2050 if policies are not revised.

Experts argue that solutions must include social housing, affordable loans, access to quality healthcare and education, and family-friendly policies that help parents balance work and family life. UNFPA Moldova has supported such measures for 30 years, advocating for flexible work programs, shared parental leave, and expanded childcare facilities.

For Serghei and Emilia, the greatest wish is for their children to build their future at home. “Our country has huge potential,” Serghei says. “We would be happy if our children found reasons to remain here, close to us.”

Their story shows that raising three children in Moldova is not only about responsibility—it is about joy, meaning, and resilience. “Children are the greatest gift of our lives,” Emilia reflects. “Looking back, we know every step was worth it.”