TIRANA, February 25 – The European Commission proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to integrate them into the EU “Roam like at home” regime. The Commission announced the proposal today.

According to the Commission, once agreements conclude with each partner and full alignment with EU roaming rules is ensured, people travelling between the EU and the Western Balkans will make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data without additional roaming charges.

As a result, the measure will ensure seamless connectivity at domestic tariffs. The Commission said the regime will benefit citizens and businesses from the Western Balkans visiting the EU. At the same time, EU travellers to the Western Balkans will also benefit.

In addition, the agreement will make communication easier and more affordable for people and companies on both sides. The statement noted that students, workers, and tourists will stay connected while abroad.

Earlier today, the Commission approved the proposal for negotiating mandates. It now seeks Council authorisation to open talks with the Western Balkans partners. After that, the Commission will negotiate bilateral agreements with each partner. It stated that successful completion of these agreements will allow the Western Balkans to join the EU “Roam Like at Home” area.

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said roaming charges remain a problem across the Western Balkans. She stressed that cross-border workers and families face high bills when calling abroad. She added that the EU no longer accepts unexpected charges while travelling. Kos said the Commission proposed starting talks to extend the regime to the Western Balkans.

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