The European Commission has officially proposed including Ukraine in the European Union’s roaming zone starting January 1, 2026
This will be a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of telecommunications. The decision opens new opportunities for Ukrainian citizens traveling within EU countries, as well as for Europeans planning to visit Ukraine, providing convenient and secure communication without additional costs or restrictions. According to official information disseminated by the European Commission’s press service, from January 1, 2026, Ukrainian mobile numbers will operate across all 27 EU countries at the same rates as in Ukraine. This means users will no longer have to pay extra for international roaming, which was previously one of the main concerns for travelers. Ukrainian and European citizens will be able to make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile internet seamlessly, without limitations or hidden charges. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that this step is a vivid confirmation of the EU’s support for Ukraine’s aspirations toward European integration and sustainable development: "We want Ukrainians to stay connected with loved ones both in the EU and at home. Therefore, we propose to include Ukraine in our roaming family. This is yet another clear sign of our unwavering support for Ukraine and its citizens." In practice, this means that well-known Ukrainian mobile operators will be able to work under conditions close to domestic communication, greatly simplifying life for travelers and tourists. For Ukrainians traveling to EU countries and Europeans visiting Ukraine, correspondence, calls, and mobile internet access will be available at standard rates without additional charges. The same quality of connection and data transfer speeds will be maintained, which is essential for modern users who, even while traveling, want to stay as connected as possible. Additionally, access to emergency services in case of emergencies will remain free and independent of location. Another important aspect is the long-term agreement between Ukrainian telecom operators and their European counterparts. This agreement has been extended until December 31, 2025, allowing to avoid any interruptions in service and ensuring a smooth transition to full integration of Ukraine into the European roaming zone. Such an approach creates an uninterrupted operational environment for all parties, providing comfort and stability for millions of users. The process of Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU roaming zone intensified after Ukrainian authorities officially completed internal legislative procedures necessary for such integration on June 6. This became possible after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of EU Electronic Communications Legislation” on June 2. The signed document represented the final step in preparing Ukraine for entry into the European roaming zone. Currently, the European Commission has submitted its proposal for review by the EU Council. It is expected to be approved, and from January 1, 2026, Ukraine will officially join the list of countries eligible for European roaming without extra costs or technical complications. This will mark an important milestone in deepening Ukraine’s cooperation with the EU in digital infrastructure and reaffirm the country’s intentions to integrate into the European space. The transitional period is particularly important for preparing operators on both sides. It requires technical adjustments, standard harmonization, and the development of joint platforms to ensure stable operation of the new services. This will enable high-quality service delivery and prevent disruptions from the very first days of implementing the new rules. Overall, this step is not only a technical innovation but also a valuable manifestation of EU support for Ukraine during a challenging period. It demonstrates that Europe values Ukraine’s efforts toward reforms, digital transformation, and European integration, as well as understanding the importance of communication in the modern world. For Ukrainian citizens, it is yet another reason to take pride in their path toward European standards and a step forward in digital independence and mobility.