DIFFERENTIATED VULNERABILITY OF NEET YOUTH IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: EVIDENCE, CLASSIFICATION, AND POLICY DIRECTIONS

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of NEET youth (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting it as a pressing socio-economic issue in the regional context. The study adopts a differentiated approach based on the economic activity classification of NEET youth, distinguishing between economically active (unemployed job seekers) and economically inactive subgroups (not seeking employment, often due to health conditions, care responsibilities, or demotivation). Using a statistical and comparative methodology, the research analyses national and international datasets from 2019–2024 to assess demographic, educational, employment, and health-related dimensions of youth vulnerability. The findings reveal that Moldova records one of the highest NEET rates among European countries, with pronounced gender disparities and a high concentration of economically inactive young women. Despite a positive trend in the expansion of educational coverage, youth employment rates, especially for those aged 15–24, remain critically low. Health indicators further underscore structural vulnerabilities, particularly among non-working and non-studying youth with chronic conditions. The paper identifies education, gender-sensitive employment policies, and intersectoral strategies (including volunteerism and health support) as key levers for reducing NEET vulnerability. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting integrated national strategies and drawing on best practices from low-NEET countries. The study contributes to understanding NEET youth as a heterogeneous and dynamic group, requiring nuanced, data-driven policy responses aligned with sustainable development goals.