The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with the six Western Balkan countries to integrate them into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regime.
According to the Commission, once agreements are finalized with each country and after they fully align with EU roaming rules, citizens traveling between the European Union and the Western Balkans will be able to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data without paying additional roaming charges.
When implemented, the agreement would ensure seamless connectivity at domestic rates for Western Balkan citizens visiting the EU, and vice versa.
With the negotiation mandates proposed today, the European Commission must now seek authorization from the Council of the European Union to formally open talks with Western Balkan partners.
Once approved, the Commission will enter negotiations with each country individually. Successful completion would result in the region’s inclusion in the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” zone.
The Commission emphasized that this proposal represents a concrete example of the EU’s gradual integration approach prior to full membership, as outlined in the 2023 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
The “Roam Like at Home” policy has been in force across the EU since 2017.
