On July 22, 2025, the Council of the European Union formally approved the inclusion of Moldova in the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” (RLAH) zone, with the roaming changes coming into effect on January 1, 2026.  eu roaming moldova

Moldova follows Ukraine, which received a similar invitation earlier in July, with its decision formalized on July 14, 2025.

What “Roam Like at Home” Means

The RLAH regime, implemented in 2017 across the EU and EEA, allows mobile users to travel within the roaming zone and use voice, SMS, and data services at their home country’s domestic rates—with no surcharge and with the same service quality and speed. The new inclusion means:

• Moldovan subscribers in the EU and EU subscribers in Moldova can communicate without extra roaming fees.
• Service quality, including data speed and emergency access, is guaranteed to match home‑country standards.

Why It Matters

• First external country outside the EEA: Moldova will be the first nation outside the EU/EEA to benefit fully from RLAH arrangements.
• Symbol of deeper European alignment: This move builds on Moldova’s EU association and candidate status and underscores its push for closer integration with European systems.
• Economic and social benefits: It supports travel and business ties, reduces telecom costs for citizens and diaspora, and reflects progressive alignment with the EU Digital Single Market.

Background Timeline

Date	Event
June 2024	Moldova begins EU accession negotiations alongside Ukraine.
April–June 2025	Moldova’s parliament aligns national telecom and roaming regulations with EU standards.
July 2025	EU Council formally approves Moldova’s entry into RLAH zone (22 July) after decision on Ukraine (14 July).
January 1, 2026	Official launch — “Roam Like at Home” for Moldova begins.

Broader Implications

• Deepening EU ties: Aligning digital infrastructure and telecom practices brings Moldova closer to EU internal market norms.
• Citizen convenience & cost savings: Eliminates roaming surprises and encourages cross‑border mobility.
• Precedent for external integration: Moldova sets a model—Ukraine joined simultaneously—highlighting possibilities for future neighboring countries.

Extra Context

Moldova was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 and started accession negotiations in mid-2024, targeting full membership around 2030. Joining RLAH is one tangible step in the broader roadmap of alignment with EU standards.

What Travelers Should Know

As of January 1, 2026:

• Moldovan SIM cards will function across EU member states at Moldovan domestic rates—same for EU SIMs in Moldova.
• Users are still subject to fair‑use rules such as daily/monthly data limits to prevent abuse, in line with EU regulation.
• EU mobile standards ensuring access to emergency services and network quality will apply in Moldova-bound and Moldova-originating calls/data.

In Summary

The EU Council’s decision on July 22, 2025, firmly establishes Moldova’s inclusion in the “Roam Like at Home” area starting January 1, 2026. It marks a historic step in EU‑Moldova integration, delivering real benefits to citizens of both sides and aligning Moldova more closely with EU digital and regulatory frameworks.