EC proposes Ukraine's integration into EU roaming zone

BRUSSELS. June 17 (Interfax) - The European Commission (EC) put forward a proposal on Tuesday to integrate Ukraine into the EU roaming zone from January 2026.

"We want Ukrainian citizens to stay connected to their loved ones across the EU, as well as in their home country. That's why we propose that Ukraine join our roaming family. Once more, we reaffirm our continued commitment to stand by Ukraine and its citizens," EC President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The implementation of her proposal will allow Ukrainians to call, send SMS messages and use their mobile data from Ukrainian phone numbers in the 27 EU member states at no additional costs, the EC's statement said. The same benefits will apply to Europeans who may be in Ukraine.

"Roaming is the first area where the EU would extend internal market treatment to Ukraine. In practice, this means that travelers from Ukraine visiting the EU, and travelers from the EU visiting Ukraine will not pay any extra roaming fees. The use of all mobile services, including calls, SMS messages and data will be charged at domestic rates," the statement said.

The EC has forwarded the proposal it adopted to the Council of the EU for approval. In accordance with the proposal, Ukraine will effectively join the EU Roam like Home zone on January 1, 2026, the statement said.