The EU has included Ukraine and Moldova in the roaming visa-free zone
26 July 05:40
Starting January 1, 2026, residents of Ukraine and Moldova will be able to use mobile communications in the European Union without additional roaming costs. The relevant decision was made by the EU Council on July 24, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
This means that calls, SMS and mobile internet for Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens in the EU will be charged at the same rates as within their own country. EU citizens staying in Ukraine or Moldova will receive the same conditions.
“This decision will contribute to Moldova’s economic integration into the EU internal market, one of the goals of the 2016 Association Agreement,” the press service of the Council of the European Union emphasized.
The report says that the quality and speed of roaming services will be in line with home conditions. Calls to emergency services will remain free for all users.
What will change for Ukrainians
For Ukrainians, this means a transition from the current voluntary agreement to a full-fledged roaming visa-free regime. Since 2022, Ukrainian and European mobile operators have been implementing a temporary initiative that allowed for cheap calls and data to the EU. This arrangement will remain in effect until the end of 2025, and will be replaced by an official agreement within the European area in January 2026.
