Sofia, Bulgaria – European Union officials are pushing forward with plans to extend “Roam Like at Home” benefits to citizens traveling in the Western Balkans, potentially eliminating mobile roaming charges for calls, texts, and data. This initiative, gaining momentum in recent months, aims to foster closer digital integration between the EU and its southeastern neighbors – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
The move comes as a significant step towards bridging the digital gap and easing travel for individuals and businesses alike. While the EU abolished roaming charges for its member states in 2017, travelers venturing into the Western Balkans have continued to face potentially high costs for using their mobile devices. The proposed extension seeks to rectify this disparity, offering a more seamless and affordable experience for those crossing borders.
The initiative isn’t without its complexities. Establishing the necessary legal framework to support zero roaming has proven challenging, as existing agreements between the EU and Western Balkan countries lack provisions for reciprocal roaming market access. However, recent developments suggest progress is being made, with agreements already in place with Albania to eliminate roaming fees starting in 2026.
The Path to Zero Roaming: A Legal and Political Challenge
The current situation stems from a lack of a comprehensive legal framework within the existing Stabilisation and Association Agreements between the EU and the Western Balkan nations. As Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, explained, these agreements do not include the “Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area” provisions that facilitated the extension of “Roam Like at Home” to countries like Ukraine and Moldova. eunews.it reports that this legal hurdle has necessitated the development of a new framework to enable the elimination of surcharges.
The initial impetus for addressing roaming charges came with the 2022 Roaming Declaration, which aimed to reduce and ultimately eliminate these costs by 2027. However, progress has been slower than anticipated, prompting scrutiny from members of the European Parliament. Sovereignist members of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) have questioned the pace of implementation, particularly in comparison to the swift action taken to eliminate roaming charges with Ukraine, raising concerns about potential “double standards.”
The European Commission reached an agreement with operators in 2023, paving the way for the removal of all roaming charges between Albania and the EU in 2026, as announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum in Tirana. alertify.eu highlights this as a major step towards deeper digital integration.
What Does ‘Roam Like at Home’ Signify for Travelers?
The “Roam Like at Home” policy, already in effect across the EU, allows mobile users to make calls, send texts, and utilize mobile data while traveling within the bloc without incurring additional charges beyond their domestic plan. Extending this benefit to the Western Balkans would mean travelers could use their existing mobile allowances seamlessly when visiting countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, avoiding unexpected bill shocks.
Currently, data roaming in the Western Balkans can be significantly more expensive than within the EU. While prices have decreased in recent years, the cost can still add up quickly for those relying on mobile data for navigation, communication, or work. The elimination of roaming charges is expected to be particularly beneficial for business travelers, tourists, and individuals with family ties across borders.
The move is also seen as a symbolic gesture of closer ties between the EU and the Western Balkan region, signaling a commitment to fostering greater connectivity and integration. Von der Leyen described the initiative as “a tangible symbol of connection, trust, and progress toward EU membership,” underscoring its broader political significance.
Beyond Albania: The Future of Roaming in the Western Balkans
While Albania is set to be the first Western Balkan country to benefit from zero roaming with the EU in 2026, the Commission is working to extend the agreement to the remaining nations in the region. The timeline for full implementation across all six countries remains uncertain, dependent on the successful negotiation and implementation of the necessary legal framework.
The Commission’s efforts are focused on establishing reciprocal agreements with mobile operators in each country, ensuring that EU citizens can enjoy seamless roaming while also allowing citizens of the Western Balkan nations to benefit from the same advantages when traveling within the EU. This requires a collaborative approach, involving negotiations with national regulators and industry stakeholders.
The extension of “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans is part of a broader EU strategy to promote digital transformation and regional integration. By reducing barriers to cross-border communication and data access, the initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, facilitate cultural exchange, and strengthen political ties.
Key Takeaways
- The EU is working to eliminate mobile roaming charges for travelers between the EU and the Western Balkans.
- Albania is the first country to implement the agreement, with roaming fees set to be abolished in 2026.
- The initiative requires a new legal framework due to the lack of existing provisions in current agreements.
- The move is seen as a step towards greater digital integration and closer ties between the EU and the Western Balkan region.
- Progress with other Western Balkan countries depends on ongoing negotiations and the establishment of reciprocal agreements with mobile operators.
The European Commission is expected to provide further updates on the progress of negotiations with other Western Balkan countries in the coming months. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official announcements from the Commission and national regulatory authorities for the latest information. The successful implementation of this initiative promises to significantly enhance connectivity and affordability for travelers and businesses across the region, fostering a more integrated and digitally empowered Europe.
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