The European Commission has put forward a proposal to initiate negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to integrate these nations into the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ framework. Upon finalising agreements with each partner and their full alignment with EU roaming regulations, travellers between the European Union and the Western Balkans will be able to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data without incurring roaming charges.
“Today, we are taking a significant step for the Western Balkan partners’ journey towards joining the EU’s roaming family. It is good news both for citizens and businesses,“ noted Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
This initiative promises to facilitate seamless connectivity at domestic rates for both citizens and businesses from the Western Balkans visiting the EU, as well as for EU travellers in the region. It aims to enhance communication and reduce costs for individuals and companies on both sides, whether abroad for educational, professional, or leisure purposes.
“Roaming charges are a problem for people across the Western Balkans. They affect workers crossing borders or families who simply want to stay in touch. Surprise bills or higher charges when travelling are something we no longer know inside the EU. Today, we proposed to extend this to the Western Balkans. It would mean easier calls, and mobile data that works at home prices,“ explained Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
With the adoption of the proposal for negotiating mandates today, the Commission seeks the Council’s authorisation to proceed with negotiations with the Western Balkan partners. Following the Council’s approval, the Commission will negotiate bilateral agreements with each partner. Successfully concluded agreements will pave the way for the Western Balkans to become part of the ‘EU’s Roam Like at Home‘ area.
The Commission’s proposal seeks to enhance existing voluntary roaming agreements between mobile operators in the EU and the Western Balkans, allowing travellers to benefit from reduced roaming charges. Additionally, citizens of the Western Balkans enjoy lower tariffs when travelling within the region.
This initiative reflects the EU’s strategy for gradual integration ahead of accession, as detailed in the 2023 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. By progressively integrating these partners into the EU’s Single Market, the plan offers tangible benefits to citizens and businesses before full membership while staying aligned with the enlargement process.
