Beginning January 1, 2026, citizens of the Republic of Moldova will be able to use mobile phone services in European Union member states without paying additional roaming charges. The Council of the European Union — the institution representing EU member state governments — adopted the decision today.
Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, welcomed the decision:
“Today brings more good news from Brussels! The Council has adopted the decision for Moldova to join the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ zone starting January 1, 2026. Moldovan citizens traveling to the EU — as well as EU citizens visiting Moldova — will be able to make calls, send messages, and use mobile data without extra costs and with the same quality as at home.”
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According to the Council’s announcement, the decision supports Moldova’s economic and digital integration into the EU’s internal market — a goal outlined in the 2016 Association Agreement. The measure extends the same roaming benefits currently enjoyed within the EU to Moldova, following a similar decision for Ukraine on July 14. Both countries, now official EU candidates, will see the changes take effect on the same date.
Moldovan users already benefit from reduced roaming rates under a 2024 agreement between Moldovan authorities and the EU. Today’s decision further consolidates and expands those benefits, fully eliminating roaming charges by 2026.
The agreement also ensures that users will have access to the same mobile network speed and quality while abroad, and calls to emergency services will remain free of charge.
This development reflects the EU’s commitment to gradually integrating Moldova into European structures and standards, offering tangible benefits to both citizens and businesses.