The European Commission proposed on Tuesday that Ukraine join the EU's roaming zone in January 2026. This would be the first area of the EU's single market to which Kiev would gain full access.
In practice, this means that people travelling from Ukraine to EU countries – and from the EU to Ukraine – would not incur additional charges for using mobile telephony. All mobile services, including voice calls, text messages and data transmission, would be charged at the user’s domestic rates.
Back in April 2022, European and Ukrainian telecom operators concluded a voluntary agreement to make it easier for refugees to contact their loved ones in Ukraine at reduced costs. On Tuesday, the agreement was extended for the sixth time and is to last until December 31, 2025 – the planned date for Ukraine to join EU roaming.
The Commission's proposal was preceded by a positive assessment of Ukraine's adaptation of its national regulations to EU law on roaming services. The EC's proposal will now go to the EU Member States for a vote.
From Brussels Maria Wiśniewska (PAP)
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