Part 5/9:
The Migration Crisis and Brain Drain
The economic turmoil prompted an unprecedented wave of migration, with millions of Eastern Europeans seeking better opportunities abroad. Countries like Romania and Moldova faced dire population declines due to emigration, losing significant portions of their populations since the early 1990s. The exodus of skilled professionals, such as doctors and engineers, exacerbated the region’s economic struggles.
The loss of human capital not only stunted economic growth but also left countries reliant on Western Europe for resources and labor, trapping them in a cycle of economic subservience. Today, Eastern Europe grapples with an aging population and dwindling youth, raising serious concerns about the future.