Another step towards the inclusion of Ukraine in the single European market was taken today with the acceptance of the proposal to include roaming in the already existing partnership agreement. It is even a step that will enable the citizens of Europe and Ukraine to mutually benefit from the mobile phone offer while traveling in national conditions.
Roaming Like At Home (Rlah) allows European mobile customers to make calls, send text messages or use mobile data traffic at no additional cost, even abroad and in other European Union countries. The Commission reiterated that the inclusion of its Ukrainian ally in this network is one of the key actions for the full implementation of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and further integration of the country into the bloc’s single market. . An intention announced by the community executive head, Ursula von der Layen, during her speech on the State of the Union in September 2022.
European and Ukrainian telecommunications operators have been cooperating since February 24, that is, since the beginning of the Russian invasion and the resulting outbreak of war. From the very beginning, EU operators have adopted spontaneous solidarity initiatives to facilitate communication between countries. These initial voluntary measures (which today have been expanded) were followed by a joint declaration allowing for coordinated actions and affordable international calls. It was signed by 24 operators based in Europe and 3 mobile operators in Ukraine (Kyivstar, lifecell and Vodafone Ukraine).
“European telecommunications operators continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting Ukrainian refugees to stay in touch with their families and loved ones,” said the European Telecommunications Network Operators Association (ETNO). The decision to guarantee free movement to Ukrainians in Europe represents the first case of the extension of treatment towards the EU internal market to Kiev.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
