European Commission proposes to start negotiations on extending EU roaming to the Western Balkans

The European Commission (EC) has proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia on their integration into the European Union's (EU) roaming system.

"Once the agreements with each of the partners are finalised and fully aligned with EU roaming rules, people travelling between the EU and the Western Balkans will be able to call, send text messages and use mobile data without additional roaming charges," the European Commission said today.

This will mean seamless connectivity at domestic prices for Western Balkan citizens traveling to the EU, as well as for EU travelers visiting the region.

"The agreement will enable citizens and entrepreneurs on both sides to stay in touch more easily and affordably while studying, working or holidaying abroad," the statement said.

After adopting this proposal, the Commission will seek approval from the EU Council to open negotiations with partners from the Western Balkans.

Once approved, the Commission will negotiate bilateral agreements with each partner and, if successfully concluded, these agreements will pave the way for the Western Balkans to become part of the "Roam Like at Home" area, the statement said.

It is added that this proposal is a concrete example of the EU's approach to gradual integration before full membership, as set out in the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.