The move brings both countries into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” area, aligning them more closely with the bloc as they pursue EU membership. The change allows holders of Ukrainian and Moldovan phone numbers to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data across EU countries at domestic rates.
EU citizens visiting Ukraine and Moldova will also benefit from the arrangement.
The EU established its roaming zone in 2017, allowing residents to use mobile services throughout member states without additional fees. The policy has since been extended to include Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, and will remain in effect at least through 2032.
The decision to include Ukraine and Moldova was made in July 2025.
Both countries were granted EU candidate status in June 2022 and began accession talks in June 2024. Though Hungary is currently blocking formal progress, technical negotiations continue across six clusters covering 33 chapters of EU law.
The United Kingdom, which left the EU, was part of the roaming area until 2021. Roaming charges may now apply to travelers between the UK and the EU, though some operators still offer reduced rates.
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Source: PAP