What changes for users?
| From | To | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Now | Voluntary “zero-surcharge” pact between EU & UA operators (in force since 2022) | No extra fees for many users, but only where operators opt-in; agreement now prolonged until 31 Dec 2025 |
| 1 Jan 2026 | Full inclusion of Ukraine in the EU Roam-Like-at-Home (RLAH) regime | • Ukrainians travelling in 27 EU states pay domestic tariffs for calls, SMS and data • EU visitors roam in Ukraine on home tariffs • Same speed/quality as at home • Free access to 112 and UA emergency numbers |
Why it matters
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Consumer relief: eliminates “bill-shock” for the ~4 million Ukrainians currently living or working in the EU.
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Business boost: cross-border companies avoid extra telecom costs, supporting trade and post-war rebuilding.
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Digital convergence: the move is a formal step in Ukraine’s path toward EU single-market integration.
“We are inviting Ukraine into our roaming family so citizens can stay connected across Europe without paying more,”
— Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
Next steps
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Legal adoption – Proposal now heads to the Council and Parliament for fast-track approval.
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Technical alignment – Ukrainian operators must complete full EU regulatory compliance by end-2025.
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Public awareness – National regulators and carriers will run information campaigns in 2025-26.
Europe’s “Roam-Like-at-Home” rules have applied inside the EU/EEA since 2017 and were renewed to 2032. Ukraine will become the first non-EU country formally added to the zone, underscoring Brussels’ ongoing commitment to the country’s European integration.
