The Commission proposes to open negotiations to extend EU roaming to the Western Balkans

The European Commission has proposedopening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to integrate them into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regime.

Once agreements with each of the partners have been finalised and they are all fully aligned with EU roaming rules, people travelling between the EU and the Western Balkans will be able to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data without roaming surcharges.

This means seamless connectivity at domestic prices, not only for citizens and businesses from the Western Balkans visiting the EU, but also for EU travellers in the Western Balkans. The agreement will make it easier and cheaper for people and businesses from both countries to stay in touch while abroad for study, work or holidays.

Next steps

With the proposal for negotiating mandates adopted, the Commission is requesting authorisation from the Council to start negotiations with the Western Balkan partners. Once adopted by the Council, the Commission will negotiate bilateral agreements with each Western Balkan partner. Once successfully concluded, these agreements will pave the way for the Western Balkans to become part of the EU’s ‘Empire as at home’ area.

Background

The Commission’s proposal aims to consolidate and improve existing voluntary roaming commitments between some mobile operators in the EU and the Western Balkans. These voluntary initiatives allow travellers to benefit from reduced roaming charges when travelling between the two regions. In addition, citizens of the Western Balkans benefit from reduced rates when travelling within the region underthe Western Balkans regional roaming agreement.

The proposal is a concrete example of the EU’s approach to gradual integration prior to accession, as set out in the2023 Western Balkans Growth Plan.This Plan brings forward the benefits of EU membership by progressively integrating Western Balkan partners into the EU Single Market. This gradual approach delivers tangible benefits for citizens and businesses even before full membership, while remaining firmly anchored in the enlargement process.

Further information: European Commission.