The European Commission has proposed extending the EU's free roaming system to Western Balkan countries, according to reports from Swedish media. The proposal would allow travelers to use their mobile phones without additional charges in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, similar to the roaming arrangements within the European Union.
EU expansion commissioner Marta Kos reportedly stated in a press release that "surprising bills or higher fees when traveling abroad is something we no longer have within the EU. Today we propose that it should be extended to the Western Balkans." The free roaming system was introduced in the EU nearly ten years ago and has become standard for travelers within member states.
surprising bills or higher fees when traveling abroad is something we no longer have within the EU. Today we propose that it should be extended to the Western Balkans.
The Commission now seeks approval from the EU Council of Ministers to begin negotiations with the affected countries. The proposal aims to eliminate roaming charges for EU citizens traveling to the Western Balkans and potentially for citizens of those countries traveling within the EU. The initiative represents a step toward closer integration between the EU and Western Balkan nations, though formal negotiations must still be approved by member states.