Ukraine and Moldova Join EU’s Roaming Zone: A Major Step Toward European Integration

In a landmark moment for European unity, Ukraine and Moldova have officially joined the European Union’s mobile roaming zone, giving their citizens the same “Roam Like at Home” benefits enjoyed across the EU. This milestone, which took effect on January 1, 2026, marks yet another step in the two countries’ deepening ties with the European bloc — and a strong signal of their future within the EU.

What the Change Means for Citizens

Thanks to the new agreement, travelers from Ukraine and Moldova can now use their mobile phones across the EU without paying extra roaming charges. They can:

Make calls and send SMS at domestic rates
Use mobile data under the same conditions as at home
Access emergency services free of charge anywhere in the EU

At the same time, EU citizens traveling to Ukraine or Moldova will benefit from the same arrangement — bringing greater convenience and connectivity on both sides.

The deal, which runs until March 4, 2027, may later be extended based on performance and continued alignment with EU regulations.

From Wartime Solidarity to Permanent Partnership

This formal integration replaces the temporary free roaming measures that had been in place since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the time, European and Ukrainian operators voluntarily removed roaming fees to help displaced citizens stay connected with family and friends.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the new agreement as a “powerful symbol” of the EU’s commitment to Ukraine and Moldova’s people, saying that digital integration was “one of the clearest signs of a shared European future.”

This shift is particularly significant for the 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees still living across the EU under temporary protection, many of whom rely on mobile communications daily. Germany continues to host the largest number (around 1.2 million), followed by Poland with nearly 1 million.

A Concrete Step Toward EU Membership

Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU roaming area is more than a telecommunications policy — it’s a symbolic and practical advancement toward full EU membership. It marks the first time the EU has extended single-market treatment to Ukraine and Moldova, reinforcing their trajectory toward European integration.

After applying for membership in 2022, Ukraine quickly secured EU candidate status and began formal accession negotiations in mid-2024. Moldova has followed a similar path, aligning large parts of its legislation and economy with EU standards.

EU Perspectives on Enlargement

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has emphasized that Ukraine’s EU accession is not only a political goal but also part of the broader European security framework. She recently described it as “a key element of Europe’s commitment to defend democracy and stability in its neighborhood.”

Despite Hungary’s objections temporarily slowing formal talks, Ukraine and the EU agreed in December 2025 on a ten-point reform plan that allows technical discussions and preparatory work to continue. This means the process remains active, even if politically constrained for the moment.

Moldova: Following a Similar Path

While Ukraine’s progress naturally draws global attention, Moldova also stands to gain significantly from joining the EU roaming zone. The country has been steadily aligning with EU economic, legal, and energy frameworks since it received EU candidate status in 2022. For Moldovan citizens working or studying within the EU, the removal of roaming charges instantly makes cross-border communication much easier and cheaper.

A Symbol of Integration — and Hope

Beyond its practical benefits, this agreement sends a clear political message: Ukraine and Moldova are becoming part of the European family in every tangible way possible, even before formal membership. It demonstrates how digital policy can act as a bridge between wartime resilience and long-term integration.

As European Commissioner Thierry Breton noted, “Connectivity is the backbone of modern freedom — and today, Ukraine and Moldova are one step closer to the heart of Europe.”