Free roaming in the EU turned out to have a catch: who among Ukrainians will have to pay extra.

The European Commission supported the initiative to include Ukraine in the EU roaming zone starting January 1, 2026. This means that Ukrainian subscribers will have the opportunity to use mobile communication in 27 European countries at local rates, while Europeans can call and send SMS to Ukraine for free.The initiative was launched in November 2024, when Ukraine appealed to the European Commission to align its legislation with European standards in the field of roaming. After the adoption of the law on the NEURC in June 2025, proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, a final agreement with the EU became possible.European Commission experts checked Ukrainian legislation and confirmed its compliance with the criteria for introducing roaming. The European Commission now recommends that the EU Council confirm reciprocal granting of internal market status for roaming.The concept of 'roaming like at home' implies that prices for calls, SMS, and the internet will remain at the level of domestic rates, regardless of where the call is made or the message is sent. However, there are conditions related to the principle of 'fair use'.According to expert Herman Bohapov, the roaming system is designed for users who are temporarily abroad. Those who primarily use their phone at home rather than during travel may be recognized as 'fair use subscribers' and pay standard rates.While voice calls and SMS are generally not limited within domestic rates, restrictions may be imposed on mobile internet usage according to the 'fair use' policy. Exceeding the established data volume may incur additional charges, but not more than €1.30 per GB excluding VAT in 2025.In summary:The European Commission supported the initiative to include Ukraine in the EU roaming zone starting January 1, 2026, which means the possibility of using mobile communication in 27 European countries at local rates. The 'roaming like at home' rules provide for maintaining communication and internet prices at the level of domestic rates, with 'fair use' conditions for users.