The European Commission extended the agreement on free roaming for Ukrainians in the EU for the next year. Ukraine is preparing for full integration into the EU roaming zone by harmonizing its legislation.
Roaming for Ukrainians
Extension of the agreement
The European Commission announced another extension of the voluntary agreement on roaming for 12 months. This agreement covers 22 European and seven Ukrainian telecommunications companies, including: 3Mob, Data Group, Kyivstar, lifecell, Ukrtelecom, Vega White and Vodafone Ukraine.
Purpose of the Agreement
The main goal of this initiative is to provide Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country because of the war, the opportunity to maintain contact with their loved ones. The Commission encourages other operators to join this agreement.
Agreement history
After the large-scale invasion of Russia and the mass exodus of Ukrainians to European countries, mobile operators of Ukraine and the EU reached an agreement on the voluntary cancellation of roaming charges. The first such agreement was signed in the spring of 2022 and has been extended several times since then.
Integration prospects
In April 2023, the EU-Ukraine Association Committee approved a proposal to join Ukraine to the roaming rules of the European Union.
Further actions
Ukraine is actively working on harmonizing its legislation with EU norms for full integration into the European roaming zone. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, has already signed the corresponding law on June 18.
After Ukraine's official notification of full harmonization, the European Commission will assess the conformity of national legislation. In case of a positive decision, Ukraine will become part of the EU roaming zone, which will provide a more stable and long-term solution.
Glossary
- The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union, responsible for the development of legislation and the implementation of policies EU
- Vodafone Ukraine - one of the leading mobile operators in Ukraine
- Kyivstar - the largest mobile operator in Ukraine
- lifecell is the third largest mobile operator in Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyi is the current President of Ukraine, elected in 2019
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Answers to questions
What is free roaming for Ukrainians in the EU?
How long has the free roaming agreement been extended?
Which Ukrainian operators participate in this agreement?
What steps is Ukraine taking to integrate into the EU roaming zone?
What will happen after Ukraine enters the EU roaming zone?
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Discussion of the topic – Free roaming for Ukrainians in the EU: another year of unlimited communication
The European Commission extended for 12 months the agreement on free roaming between European and Ukrainian operators, providing communication for Ukrainians who left because of the war.
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Olena
This is great news for Ukrainians who had to go abroad! 🙏 Free roaming is a real help in such a difficult time. I am very grateful to the operators for such an initiative.
Hans
I agree, Olena! This is really important for maintaining contact with relatives. I wonder how this will affect the telecommunications market in the EU? 🤔
Sophie
Hans, I think this can become an impetus for greater integration of the telecom markets of the EU and Ukraine. Maybe even lead to lower roaming prices for all Europeans! 💡
Antonio
Sophie, you are right! This is a great example of solidarity. I hope this initiative will continue after the war. By the way, does anyone know which other countries besides the EU participate in this agreement? 🌍
Grzegorz
Oh, those newfangled things again! Why is that roaming at all? In my day, people got by just fine without cell phones. All this is unnecessary...
Maria
Grzegorz, I understand your skepticism, but in today's world, communication is a necessity, especially for those who are far from home. It's like a lifeline in a stormy sea 🌊
Olena
Maria, great comparison! 👍 But I wonder how it will affect the integration of Ukraine into the EU? Maybe this is the first step towards closer cooperation in other areas?
Hans
Olena, this is a very interesting thought! Perhaps such initiatives will really speed up the integration process. I wonder what other areas could be next for such cooperation? 🇪🇺🇺🇦