President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine recently signed a bill into law that establishes a single roaming system between Ukraine and the European Union. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, passed this bill in May to fulfill a condition for Ukraine’s European integration in the field of electronic communications. This new system, known as “roam like at home” (RLAH), will allow Ukrainians to use their mobile phones for communications and the Internet in the 27 EU countries without incurring additional fees. The same rules will apply to users of European operators traveling to Ukraine. This move is seen as a significant step in Ukraine’s digital presence on the European stage, as no country outside the EU has joined the RLAH policy before.
The implementation date of this new law is currently unknown, as talks on Ukraine’s accession to the single roaming zone are still pending. The bill aims to align Ukraine with European roaming regulations, which is a prerequisite for creating a unified roaming zone with the EU. Presently, Ukrainians in the EU have temporary free roaming, a measure that was introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This law marks Ukraine’s commitment to digitalizing its communications infrastructure and aligning with European standards in the field of electronic communications.
In addition to the new roaming law, Ukraine also introduced a law on mobilization on May 18, aimed at preparing for a potential new wave of military mobilization. Military-aged men were given 60 days to update their personal data so that the state could easily locate them if needed. To facilitate this process, an online application called Rezerv+ (Reserve+) was launched, allowing individuals to update their information seamlessly. This move highlights Ukraine’s proactive approach to national security and preparedness, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the region.
The signing of the roaming bill and the mobilization law showcase Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure and aligning with European standards. By integrating with the EU’s single roaming system, Ukraine is positioning itself as a digital player on the European stage and improving connectivity for its citizens. The mobilization law underscores Ukraine’s dedication to national security and readiness, ensuring that the country can respond effectively to any potential threats or conflicts. These legislative developments reflect Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the international arena and enhance its capabilities in the digital and defense sectors.
As Ukraine continues to navigate geopolitical challenges and conflicts, these laws serve as important mechanisms for enhancing the country’s digital and security capabilities. By aligning with European standards in electronic communications and mobilization procedures, Ukraine is demonstrating its commitment to integration with European institutions and enhancing its defense capabilities. These legislative actions also signal Ukraine’s determination to modernize and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, positioning the country as a key player in the region and beyond. Through these proactive measures, Ukraine is striving to bolster its national security, enhance communication infrastructure, and foster closer ties with European partners in the realm of digital technology and defense.
