COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Friday, 25 July 2025

● Council of the EU   25/07/2025 17:43 | Press release | EU mobile roaming benefits extended to Moldova and Ukraine as of 2026   Today, the Council adopted a decision to integrate Moldova into the so-called ‘roam like at home area’ as from 1 January 2026. A similar decision for Ukraine was adopted on 14 July. Moldovans and Ukrainians in the EU and EU citizens in Moldova and Ukraine will thus be able to make calls, send texts and use mobile data without additional charges, just like in their home country. The agreement also ensures consumers are entitled to the same mobile network quality and speed as at home and that contacting emergency services is free of charge. The decision with regards to Moldova will support its gradual economic integration into the EU’s internal market, one of the goals of the 2016 association agreement. Currently, citizens and businesses already enjoy lower roaming charges thanks to an agreement dating back to 2024. When it comes to Ukraine, a voluntary agreement between the EU and Ukrainian telecom operators was concluded in 2022  and ensures that Europeans and Ukrainians can already enjoy affordable, low-cost calls, texts and data. This agreement will stay in place until the end of 2025. Next steps The decision for both Moldova and Ukraine will enter into force on 1 January 2026. Background Since 2017, the Roam like at Home rules allow EU consumers, while travelling, to continue to call, text and use mobile data across EU borders at the same cost like at home, and with the same mobile network quality and speed. Roam like at Home rules A digital future for Europe (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

25/07/2025 15:02 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts the second bilateral assistance measure in support of the Albanian Armed Forces   The Council today adopted the second bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility of €15 million with the aim of strengthening defence capacities and capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces, bringing the total amount of support to Albania to €28 million to date. The decision complements the support already provided by the EU and aims to further strengthen the ability of the Albanian Armed Forces to deploy timely and effectively. The assistance measure will also enhance Albania’s potential to contribute to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and international coalitions. “Albania is a close and consistent foreign and security policy partner of the EU, a contributor to EU operations, and a NATO ally. Strengthening our security and defence cooperation with Albania directly reinforces European stability, security, and peace.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council Today’s decision illustrates the EU’s strong continued engagement with Albania on security and defence. It also reflects the mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in this field, building on the signature of the Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and Albania in November 2024 and the launch of the first Security and Defence Dialogue in April 2025. The adoption of a new support package recognises Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Through the European Peace Facility measure, the EU will provide to the Albanian Armed Forces light armoured multipurpose vehicles, as well as tactical and engineering vehicles and, where needed, related supplies and services, including operational and maintenance training. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. The first bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility in support of Albanian Armed Forces worth €13 million was adopted in July 2024.     Read more ● Council of the EU   25/07/2025 12:03 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts first assistance measure in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces   Today the Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Djibouti Armed Forces. This first measure benefitting Djibouti is worth €10 million and aims to strengthen the defence capacities of the Djibouti Armed Forces to safeguard the sovereignty and rights of Djibouti in accordance with the United Nation Convention Law of the Sea and to strengthen maritime security in the Red Sea.  The assistance measure is expected to enhance the Djiboutian Navy’s operational readiness by contributing to: i) the development and maintenance of assets to deliver full operational capabilities over the long term ii) increased maritime domain awareness, and iii) enhanced presence at sea Today’s decision is in line with the EU’s objective to provide an integrated and coherent response to the increased insecurity in the Red Sea and secure EU interests at this critical maritime chokepoint. In this regard, EPF support will strengthen Djibouti's potential with respect to maritime domain awareness, complementing EU Common Security and Defence Policy operations in the Red Sea. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)   Visit the website