Moldova and Romania move to reform pension systems

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the government will study introducing a cumulative pension scheme, following models used in other states, as a long‑term solution for the country’s pension system.

In Romania, a legal change takes effect on 1 August 2026, raising the full contribution period for women by one month to 33 years 6 months. The threshold will continue to increase, reaching 35 years by 2035, while men’s required period remains at 35 years. The reform does not raise pension amounts and will affect millions of workers who must work longer before retiring.