The European Commission has confirmed that, for at least the next 10 years, residents of the Netherlands and other EU countries will be able to call, text, and use the internet when travelling at no additional charge.

Abolishing roaming charges in the EU

Roaming charges were abolished in the EU in 2017, allowing residents to travel freely across the continent without having to face additional costs for using their mobile phone when abroad. The legislation that allows for this was due to expire in July 2022, but a recent announcement revealed the rule would remain in place until 2032.

“Travelling abroad without having to worry about phone bills is a tangible part of the EU Single Market experience for all Europeans,” said Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market. “[Now] we are not only ensuring that this experience continues, but we are upgrading it: better quality, better services, even more transparency.”

European Commission improves and updates Roaming Regulation

According to the European Commission, the new Roaming Regulation introduces additional advantages to the “Roam like at home” policy. Firstly, consumers that have access to 5G at home will also be able to access it abroad, wherever possible. The new regulation also ensures EU citizens have “enhanced access to emergency communications... free of charge.”

The rules also protect customers from hidden or unexpected costs for contacting customer service operators and insurance companies when abroad, or for connecting to non-terrestrial networks when travelling, implementing a cap of 50 euros for any such bills.