From 1 January 2026, Ukrainians will be able to use their mobile phones in European Union member states without incurring additional roaming charges. Ukraine has officially joined the European roaming zone under the “roam like at home” principle. This decision has practical significance for millions of people who were forced to leave their country as a result of the war and continue to use Ukrainian mobile phone numbers on a daily basis.
What will change for Ukrainians in the EU
For most of those affected, this change means above all greater stability and predictability. In future, having a Ukrainian mobile phone number in Europe will no longer be associated with the constant worry of high monthly bills. Calls home, conversations with relatives and everyday calls will be made on the same terms as in Ukraine—regardless of which EU Member State you are in.
Until now, many Ukrainians were forced to use two SIM cards: a Ukrainian one for contact with home and a European one for everyday use locally. The new regulations are making this practice increasingly unnecessary and make it possible to remain reachable with a single phone number without additional organisational effort.
Does this also apply to mobile internet?
Joining the EU roaming zone affects not only telephony and SMS, but also the use of mobile internet. Ukrainian users will now be able to use online services, navigation applications, messenger services, banking apps and social networks without separate roaming charges. The available data volume depends on the respective tariff of the Ukrainian mobile phone provider.
The same principles also apply in the opposite direction: citizens of the European Union staying in Ukraine can use their mobile phones and mobile internet there under the terms of their domestic tariffs, without additional charges. This effectively makes Ukraine and the EU part of a common mobile communications area.
This is particularly important for people who rely heavily on digital services in their everyday lives, from online banking to government services. Smartphones are no longer a cost risk and are once again becoming a natural part of everyday life.
No more additional costs for mobile phone use
The financial impact for Ukrainians in the EU is considerable. Until now, mobile phone use abroad has often been associated with either high costs or significant restrictions on usage. Since 1 January 2026, expenditure on telephony and internet can be planned in the same way as in Ukraine—without any unpleasant surprises. For many families, this means a noticeable relief, as there are no longer any costs for additional SIM cards or special roaming packages.
This applies to longer stays in the EU
Despite these positive developments, Ukrainian mobile phone users are still subject to the EU’s standard fair use rules. These stipulate that a mobile phone number may not be used exclusively abroad for a very long period of time without a recognisable connection to the country of origin. Such regulations apply throughout the EU and are common practice.
At the same time, Ukrainian mobile phone numbers remain a central part of everyday life—for example, for bank confirmations, government services and contact with Ukraine. Against this background, the new regulations are not just a technical adjustment, but concrete support for Ukrainians abroad.
Further information is available at: www.consilium.europa.eu/de
By Oleksandr Maishev
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