From January 1, 2026, Ukrainians will be able to use mobile communications in the countries of the European Union at uniform tariffs thanks to Ukraine's accession to the European space "Roaming like at home".
This means that calls, SMS and mobile internet for Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell subscribers in the EU will be paid at the same rates as in Ukraine.
At the same time, a mechanism for monitoring the use of roaming is provided to protect the interests of mobile operators. As explained by Liliya Malyon, head of the National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications, the new tool will allow detecting “excessive or anomalous use” of services abroad. For example, if a user within Ukraine spends about 100 minutes per month, and during a trip abroad sharply doubles this figure, the operator will have the right to request an explanation and, if necessary, apply an additional fee.
Operators have warned that the new approach could lead to a reduction in foreign exchange earnings of 3–4 billion hryvnias annually. At the same time, the regulator emphasizes the significant social benefits that the population and businesses will receive from cheaper and more accessible communication in Europe.
