Ukraine and Moldova are set to join the EU’s “Roaming Like at Home” system starting 1 January 2026, marking a symbolic move toward full EU integration. The European Union had officially granted both countries the EU candidate status in June 2022, months after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

RFE/RL reports that Ukraine and Moldova will become part of the EU’s internal mobile market under the “Roaming Like at Home” (RLAH) system. This marks the first time Brussels has invited candidate countries to join this aspect of the EU internal market, according to RFE/RL.

The system enables their citizens to use mobile services across EU countries—and in several non-EU states including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—at domestic rates. The scheme, launched by the EU in 2017, is already in effect in the European Economic Area and some non-EU states where operators voluntarily comply with EU law, such as the UK.

EU diplomats described this measure as among the easiest to agree upon compared to other Ukraine-related actions, like lifting trade barriers.

Transition period and final decision

Ukraine is expected to become a permanent member of the RLAH system following a vote by EU member states scheduled for July. The transitional period will end on 1 January 2026. In July, the final extension of the temporary roaming regime will also be agreed.

In Ukraine, coverage may be limited in Russian-occupied parts of Donbas and in Crimea, which is now fully served by Russian telecom networks.

Legislative progress and compliance

Ukraine and Moldova’s integration is made possible by provisions in their association agreements with the EU. These agreements include a “mutual internal market regime” for services like mobile roaming, allowing full participation once EU laws are implemented and verified.

Both Ukraine and Moldova have worked to align national laws with EU telecommunications standards. Ukraine finalized its legislative steps in April 2025, with the European Commission receiving final confirmation on 6 June. Moldova remains a few weeks behind, but the Commission expects to receive full confirmation by the end of June.

The laws cover both technical and practical aspects such as pricing models, network specifications, and transmitter infrastructure.