The paper analyzes the results of the socio-economic and political evolution of the Republic of Moldova, on the one hand, and of the Baltic states (Estonia, Letonia, Lithuania), on the other, in the last three decades (1990-2020), ie after the adoption Declarations of sovereignty and independence. These new independent states had similar histories over a long period (19th-20th centuries). If in the late 1980s the gaps between their levels of development (real income and per capita consumption, etc.) were insignificant (1.3-1.5 times in favor of the Baltics), then now, after 3 decades, the gaps have become abysmal. The Baltic countries in a timely manner have clearly turned to NATO and the EU, have become attractive to foreign investors, respectively are part of the group of developed countries (about 40 states), approx. 8-10 times ahead of the Republic of Moldova in the main macroeconomic indicators (GDP or per capita exports, etc.). Moldova remains an unstable state: in the analyzed period, parliamentary elections were repeatedly held "ahead of schedule", governments were frequently replaced (more than 20 times), always changing its strategic landmarks, it has an increased level of corruption, is territorially divided, etc. Its firm and sincere orientation towards the EU, its liberation from harmful foreign influence, would allow it a decent development.