Ukraine has just made a significant stride toward joining the European Union’s free roaming zone

The National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCCIR) has reported that Ukraine has completed its "homework" on legislative and regulatory approximation to EU roaming law.

The next step is to submit the law to the European Commission for an official assessment of its compliance with EU law, NCCIR notes. In case of a positive outcome, the European Commission may initiate a decision on the reciprocal granting of internal market treatment for roaming between the EU and Ukraine, which will effectively mean full accession to the Roam Like At Home policy.

In early 2024, Ukraine had approximately 55.64 million cellular mobile connections, equivalent to 148.7 per cent of the total population. This remarkable penetration highlights the importance of affordable and reliable mobile services to both consumers and businesses.

Moreover, as of March 2025, over 4.26 million Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection in the EU, with the majority residing in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This substantial diaspora highlights the importance of seamless communication services across borders, facilitating both personal connections and business operations. 

The move is more than just a technical change. It signals Ukraine’s continued alignment with EU standards and represents a commitment to a modern, competitive telecommunications market that supports economic integration. For companies, this enhances the ease of doing business, reduces costs for employees on international assignments, and strengthens cross-border collaboration with EU partners.

While implementation will require regulatory harmonization and technical adjustments, the long-term benefits are clear: more affordable connectivity, stronger market competition, and deeper integration into the European economic sphere.

For companies with operations in Ukraine or across the EU, this development is a strong signal that the barriers to cross-border business are lowering, creating a more seamless environment for growth and collaboration.