Reducing economic disparities to boost inclusive economic growth in the European Union member states and the Republic of Moldova. Summary of the doctoral thesis in economic sciences

Abstract

The relevance and importance of the research topic. Reducing economic disparities to achieve inclusive economic growth is essential for sustainable development, especially in a context where social and regional inequalities persist in the EU and are increasing in the Republic of Moldova. Income inequality and disparity in opportunities affect social mobility, human capital and social cohesion, thus being not only a matter of equity, but also of economic efficiency. The Expert-Grup 2025 report confirms these challenges: a third of the population of the Republic of Moldova lives below the absolute poverty line, pensions have a low replacement rate, rural infrastructure is deficient, and most of the population does not have the necessary skills for the labour market. In this context, the Republic of Moldova has to ensure that the 1.9 billion EU Growth Plan investments generate fairly distributed benefits and stimulate participation in the labour market. The thesis supports the need to analyse the link between economic inclusiveness and economic growth to develop effective public policies, aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, that promote quality employment, decent work and adequate remuneration, so that economically active people do not face the poverty risk.