A recent sociological study indicates that more Moldovans support than oppose the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania, with backing particularly strong among the diaspora.

The findings show growing support for political unification with Romania, especially among the diaspora, coexisting with a Moldovan national identity. 

The survey, conducted by sociologist Iulian Gramațki, who holds a PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt, with the support of ATES Research Group, found that 44% of respondents residing in Moldova support unification, compared to 39.2% who oppose it. Among Moldovans living abroad, support rises significantly to 61%, while only 24.3% are against the idea. The remaining respondents are either undecided or declined to answer.

Presenting the findings at a press conference on March 25 hosted by IPN, Gramațki stated that, “in the event of a referendum, the YES option would win with 55-58% of the vote.”

Perceptions of the potential benefits of unification are mixed within the country but clearly positive among the diaspora. In Moldova, 37% of respondents believe unification would bring more advantages, while 33% see more disadvantages. Among the diaspora, 52% expect benefits, compared to just 15% who anticipate negative consequences.

Despite this relatively strong support for unification, national identity remains predominantly Moldovan. Around two-thirds of respondents, both in the country and abroad, identify as Moldovan rather than Romanian. Only 15% of respondents in Moldova and 32% in the diaspora declare Romanian ethnicity, while 10.3% of respondents in the country said they were not familiar with the concept of ethnicity. Small shares — between 2% and 3% each — identify as Russian, Ukrainian or Gagauz.

Language preferences also reflect this dual identity. While 44% of respondents said Romanian is the main language spoken in their families, 40% continue to refer to it as the “Moldovan language,” a term no longer endorsed by the authorities but still widely used in society.

The survey was conducted in Moldova and the 12 countries with the highest Moldovan voter turnout in the September 2025 parliamentary elections. The domestic sample included 1,078 respondents from 320 localities.