The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to bring them under the

EU’s popular “Roam Like at Home” scheme.

If the talks succeed, citizens and businesses will be able to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data between the EU and the Western Balkans without incurring roaming fees. This would mean seamless connectivity at domestic rates for both EU travellers visiting the Western Balkans and Balkan residents travelling to EU countries.

Benefits for citizens and businesses

The move aims to make cross-border communication easier and more affordable. Students, professionals, and holidaymakers will no longer face extra charges when staying connected abroad. Businesses can also maintain uninterrupted communications, helping to strengthen trade and collaboration between the EU and the Western Balkans.

Next steps

Following the adoption of a negotiating mandate, the Commission will seek the Council’s approval to begin formal negotiations. Once authorized, bilateral agreements with each Western Balkan country will be pursued. Successful agreements will fully integrate the region into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” area.

Background

The initiative builds on existing voluntary roaming arrangements between some EU mobile operators and those in the Western Balkans, which already offer reduced roaming charges. Additionally, a regional roaming agreement allows Western Balkans citizens to enjoy lower tariffs when travelling within the region.

This proposal is part of the EU’s broader strategy to gradually integrate Western Balkan countries ahead of potential EU membership. As outlined in the 2023 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the plan aims to deliver tangible benefits, like reduced roaming costs, while progressively aligning the region with the EU’s Single Market. Photo by Garry Knight from London, England, Wikimedia commons.