**Ukraine to Join EU’s Mobile Roaming Area by 2026**
The European Commission has proposed that Ukraine join the European Union’s mobile roaming area starting January 1, 2026. This means that Ukrainian citizens will be able to make phone calls, send texts, and use mobile data in all 27 EU countries without any extra charges.
This proposal is part of a larger effort by the EU to integrate Ukraine into its family of member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the goal is to allow Ukrainian citizens to stay connected with their loved ones across the EU, as well as in their home country.
**A Breakthrough for Ukrainian Refugees**
The proposed change will have a significant impact on the over four million Ukrainian refugees living in the EU. Currently, they can use mobile services without extra charges under a voluntary measure that was due to expire at the end of 2025. However, if approved, Ukraine’s full integration into the roaming provisions will ensure that these citizens continue to enjoy affordable international calls and data usage.
**A Step Towards Full EU Membership**
The move is also seen as a step towards Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union. The country applied for membership at the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022, and has since made quick progress. It achieved candidate status within months, with initial negotiations formally launching in June 2024.
**A Roadmap to EU Membership**
Ukraine aims to open all six accession negotiation clusters by the end of 2025 under Denmark’s presidency. The country hopes to join the EU by 2029 if it successfully implements necessary reforms, according to EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi.
If approved, Ukraine will become the only non-EU country to join the bloc’s “Roam like at Home” policy, which currently applies between all EU member states.
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