From 2026, Ukrainians will receive roaming in the EU at domestic rates: what will change.

According to ТСН: Starting January 1, 2026, Ukraine officially joins the roaming zone of the European Union. This means that Ukrainians will be able to use mobile communication in 27 EU countries without additional costs for calls and SMS, under the principle of 'Roaming like at Home.'

The head of the National Commission for the State Regulation of Communications and Informatisation (NCCIR), Lilia Malion, noted that from the beginning of 2026, cooperation between Ukrainian and European mobile networks will reach a new level. Ukraine will become a full-fledged participant in the EU's internal telecommunications market.

She also pointed out that the new roaming model will ensure full automation. Subscribers will not need to activate additional services or change phone settings — roaming in EU countries will work by default within the domestic tariff.

Malion emphasized that Ukraine is the first country outside the European Economic Area to fully adapt its national legislation to European standards in telecommunications. This could serve as an example for Moldova, which will join the Roam like at Home zone simultaneously with Ukraine.

Advantages of the new roaming regime

The new rules will allow Ukrainian subscribers to use calls and SMS from their tariff package while in the EU. Incoming calls will remain free, and mobile internet will be available under the conditions of the domestic tariff, although operators may impose limits on data usage. If these limits are exceeded, network access will remain, but may incur additional charges.

The quality of communication will match the technical capabilities of the network. For example, if a subscriber in Ukraine is using 4G, 4G or 5G will also be available in EU countries if the relevant infrastructure exists.

Tariff policy and special conditions

From 2026, Ukraine and the EU will be considered a single zone for tariffs. This means that minutes and gigabytes spent in Ukraine will reduce the overall service package during the stay in the EU.

At the same time, the fair use policy stipulates that domestic tariffs are designed for short-term trips. If a SIM card remains in roaming for an extended period, the operator may require confirmation of the subscriber's connection to Ukraine or charge additional fees.

Ukrainian citizens who find themselves in EU countries due to the war will be provided with an exception: from the beginning of 2026 to March 2027, Ukrainian refugees will be able to use domestic mobile communication in the EU without duration restrictions.

Regardless of the tariff plan, all Ukrainian subscribers in the EU will have free access to emergency services at number 112.

Monitoring consumer rights and the implementation of the new rules will be carried out by mobile operators together with the NCCIR. In case of problems, subscribers will be able to contact the national regulator.

Therefore, Ukraine's entry into the EU roaming zone signifies a significant improvement in communication conditions for Ukrainian citizens abroad. These innovations will not only simplify communication but also help maintain contact with loved ones, which is especially important in these challenging times. Considering all the innovations, Ukrainians will receive better service during their travels across Europe.