EC to Open Negotiations to Extend EU Roaming to the Western Balkans

The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with the Western Balkan countries on roaming rules. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are expected to integrate into the EU's ‘Roam Like at Home' regime.

Once the agreements are finalized with each partner and they are 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 rates 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 more affordable for people and companies on both sides to stay in touch while abroad for study, work, or holidays.

With the proposal for negotiating mandates, the EC seeks Council authorisation to open negotiations with the Western Balkan partners. Once adopted by the Council, the EC will negotiate bilateral agreements with each Western Balkan partner. When concluded successfully, these agreements will pave the way for the Western Balkans to become part of the EU's Roam Like at Home' area.

”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,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at EC.