France 24: Europe’s Orphans – Since Romania joined EU, 15% of population left their country. Between 100,000 and 300,000 children left behind

France 24: Since Romania joined the EU in 2007, an estimated 15% of the adult population has left the country to work in Western Europe. That situation has created a vacuum at home, leaving entire villages without any adults of working age. It’s also created strains within the families themselves. Between 100,000 and 300,000 minors have been left behind, often to be raised by their grandparents. Some parents just leave without announcement.

The children get used to the fact that their parents work abroad. Their parents send the money back home for their future.

But at what cost?

Parents say they have to go and work abroad because they have no hope in their country.