‘Roam Like at Home': Commission proposes to open negotiations to extend EU Roaming to the Western Balkans

The European Commission has proposed to open 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 the agreements are finalised with each of the partners and once they have each fully aligned with EU roaming rules, people travelling between the EU and 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.

Next steps

With the proposal for negotiating mandates adopted today, the Commission seeks Council authorisation to open negotiations with the Western Balkan partners. Once adopted by the Council, the Commission 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.

Background

The Commission's proposal aims to build on and upgrade the existing voluntary roaming commitments between some mobile operators in the EU and the Western Balkans. These voluntary initiatives allow travellers to already benefit from reduced roaming charges when moving between the two regions. In addition, citizens of the Western Balkans benefit from reduced tariffs when travelling within the region, under the Western Balkans regional roaming agreement.

The proposal is a concrete example of the EU's approach to gradual integration ahead of EU accession, as set out in the 2023 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The Growth Plan brings forward benefits of EU membership by progressively integrating the Western Balkan partners into the EU's Single Market. This phased approach delivers tangible benefits for citizens and businesses already before full membership, while remaining firmly anchored in the enlargement process.

For more information

Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

'Roam Like at Home' regime

Quote(s)

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.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

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.

Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement