ASSESSING THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE UNEMPLOYED IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA AND THE CONVERGENCE OF WELL-BEING INDICATORS WITH EUROPEAN UNION STANDARDS

The article explores the living conditions of the unemployed in the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing the need to harmonize welfare indicators with European standards.The analysis reveals multiple challenges such as low incomes, increased dependence on social benefits and high vulnerability to poverty.The study suggests that despite recent wage and social increases, these fall short of meeting the basic needs of the unemployed.The authors concludes by recommending the implementation of a more effective social protection system, supported by active employment policies, together with economic measures aimed at reducing inequality and improving social equity, in order to increase the living standards of the unemployed and facilitate their social and occupational integration.