EU proposes roaming inclusion in Association Agreement with Moldova

The European Commission has proposed to include roaming provisions in the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. This move aims to allow Moldovan visitors to the EU to use their mobile phones at the same rates as they do in Moldova, and EU travellers will have similar privileges in Moldova. This step aligns with the EU-Moldova Priority Action Plan, established in June 2023, to enhance Moldova’s integration into the EU Single Market.

The proposal follows a Joint Declaration made on May 31, where EU and Moldovan telecom operators agreed to reduce roaming charges from January 1, 2024. The European Commission will permit the integration of recent EU telecom and postal services legislation into the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

The following steps involve the Council of the European Union considering the proposal, followed by the EU-Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration making a Joint Decision to amend the Association Agreement Annex. After Moldova aligns with the relevant EU legislation, Moldova and the EU can implement ‘roam like at home.’

Why does it matter?

In June 2022, Moldova became a candidate for EU membership, leading to ongoing efforts to integrate it into the economic bloc. These efforts include formulating a 2023-2024 Priority Action Plan to address Moldova’s evolving candidacy priorities. The telecommunications and postal services alignment highlights the EU’s commitment to deepening Moldova’s integration into its Single Market. In addition, the ‘roam like at home’ approach significantly benefits consumers, as it eliminates excessive roaming charges and allows for seamless communication while travelling.