Free roaming for Moldovans in EU as of 2026; economic development minister says Moldova's citizens to speak at same rates as at home

The citizens of Moldova as of January 1 2026 will be able to use mobile telephony in the European Union without additional roaming costs. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Doina Nistor has made statements to this effect. The measure comes as a result of a complex legislative effort, successfully completed, bringing Moldova closer to European digital standards.

"We are happy that, finally, Moldova will be part of the common European roaming market, within the Roam Like at Home initiative. This means that Moldovans will be able to make calls, browse the internet and send messages in the European Union at the same rates as at home," said Doina Nistor at a today’s  broadcast on the public station Radio Moldova.

The minister noted, at present, an international call from Moldova to Germany can cost between 10 and 20 lei per minute, depending on the operator. After January 1, 2026, these costs will be removed—calls, messages, and data traffic in roaming will be charged the same as in the national network.

According to Nistor, the process of integration into the EU roaming system involved over 160 pages of new legislation, including the drafting and adoption of the Electronic Communications Code and the Roaming Law. All mobile operators of Moldova were involved in the process and expressed their support for the implementation of the new rules.

"This achievement is more than a financial advantage. It is a concrete step towards digital integration in the European space, supporting the millions of Moldovan citizens who travel, work or study in the EU," emphasized Doina Nistor.

At the same time, according to the deputy PM, European citizens visiting Moldova will benefit from the same regime—they will be able to use mobile telephony without extra charges, as if they were in their home country.

The new measure is part of the process of bringing Moldova closer to European standards, facilitating connectivity and free communication in a common digital space.