Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Handshake close up with flags of Ukraine and the European Union in background. Ukraine will join the EU roaming zone in 2026.
Credit: Ground Picture, Shutterstock
From January 2026, Ukraine is set to make history as the first non-EU country to join the European Union’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ (RLAH) area, allowing Ukrainians to call, text, and browse the internet across the EU’s 27 countries at no extra cost.
This breakthrough agreement means Ukrainians travelling anywhere from Paris to Prague will pay the same rates they do at home—eliminating costly surprises on their phone bills.
This move will be a welcome relief to the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced from their homes by Russia’s invasion. Many of them are now living in Europe, but they still struggle with high roaming fees when trying to contact friends and relatives back home.
EU visitors to Ukraine will also benefit from the lower rates of domestic calls, texts and mobile data. They can explore destinations like Kyiv or Odesa as well as the Carpathian Mountains while avoiding expensive fees.
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission. She hailed this plan as a powerful sign of solidarity. It would help Ukrainians stay in touch with their loved ones across Europe, while also reinforcing EU commitment to Ukraine’s long-term future. ‘We want Ukrainian citizens to stay connected to their loved ones across the EU, as well as in their home country,’ von der Leyen stated, highlighting the plan’s humanitarian and strategic importance.
The RLAH scheme was first introduced in 2017 and has revolutionised mobile usage in Europe. It eliminates roaming charges within the EU. Once Ukraine’s integration is finalised on 1 January 2026—pending the expected green light from the EU Council—it will mark a major milestone in Ukraine’s journey towards deeper ties with Europe You could Pave the way for future cooperation in telecommunications and trade as well as digital infrastructure.
Could this be a major hint from the EU to Ukraine that it’s on a fast track towards membership? A brilliant move, or going too far?
You can find out more about us by clicking here. European news.
You can find out more about us by clicking here. travel news.
