Ukraine

Since the start of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and war in the country, the EU has stepped up its support to Ukraine and continues to support digital transformation. Ensuring digital connectivity and electronic services to maintain continuity and communication are vital national priorities in the current context.  

The harmonisation of digital markets through EU4Digital in Ukraine will result in increased competition, meaning improved online services at better prices and with greater choice. It will attract investments and boost trade and employment, contributing to the social and economic development of the country. 

Through EU4Digital, the EU supports the reduction of roaming tariffs, the development of high-speed broadband connectivity to boost economies and expand e-services, the improvement of cybersecurity, the harmonisation of digital frameworks across society in areas ranging from logistics to health, the enhancement of digital skills and the creation of jobs in the digital industry.  

EU4Digital activities complement other regional EU support to Ukraine via bilateral projects. In 2016, the EU funded the EGOV4UKRAINE project as part of the ‘U-LEAD with Europe’ programme. The project developed and implemented two new e-service systems that allow better data exchange between public authorities. Then, Ukraine in cooperation with the EU, launched a continuation project called EU4DigitalUA (2020-2024). This project intends to enhance Ukraine’s process towards digital transformation by focusing on five key objectives: 

• Interoperability and digital government infrastructure; 
• Institutional strengthening and capacity development; 
• Communication and public awareness; 
• E-services development; 
• Cyber security and data protection. 

 The EU further supports Ukraine’s digital transformation through the project ‘Digital policy Support to Ukraine’ (2021-2024). This supports the implementation of Ukraine’s commitments under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and aims to support the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Telecom Regulator in meeting their digital economy policy goals. 

Ukraine’s government adopted the EU electronic communications law, which came into force in January 2022. This reflects an important priority of Ukraine, towards further integration into the EU Digital Single Market. 

In November 2020, the Ukrainian government adopted an action plan for radio frequency bands 700-800MHz to be released and become available for 5G communications; however due to current circumstances the implementation has been put on hold. 

The focus of future bilateral assistance in the digital area will remain on supporting the recovery of digital infrastructure, digitalisation of the government and cybersecurity.  

To find out more about EU relations with Ukraine, visit: 

• EU4Ukraine website 
• Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine website