The European Commission plans to extend the “Roam Like at Home” zone to six Western Balkan countries, allowing travelers to use mobile services at domestic rates. This initiative includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Once implemented, citizens traveling from EU member states to these nations will access calls, SMS, and internet services without the extra roaming charges typically associated with non-EU travel.
Why is the European Commission expanding roaming zones?
The European Commission is using telecommunications integration as a tool to connect the Western Balkan region more closely with the European Union. According to jauns.lv, this move is part of a broader EU policy aimed at regional integration before these nations officially join the union.
The expansion targets specific groups that rely heavily on consistent connectivity. Students, business travelers, and tourists often face high costs when maintaining mobile connections across borders. By removing these financial barriers, the Commission aims to facilitate easier movement and communication between EU citizens and the Balkan region.
How will the new roaming rules differ from current rates?
While some cost reductions already exist, the proposed integration represents a significant shift in how mobile services are priced. Since October 2023, certain reduced roaming rates have been in place between the EU and the Western Balkans. However, the new proposal seeks to eliminate the remaining price gap entirely.
The transition requires bilateral agreements between the European Commission and each of the six partner nations. For the “Roam Like at Home” model to function, every participating country must demonstrate full compliance with existing EU roaming regulations. This ensures that service quality remains consistent regardless of the user’s location.
Comparison: Current vs. Proposed Roaming Status
| Feature | Current Status (since Oct 2023) | Proposed “Roam Like at Home” |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Structure | Reduced/capped roaming rates | Same as domestic rates |
| Service Scope | Limited data and calling caps | Full parity with home usage |
| Regulatory Requirement | Partial alignment | Full EU regulatory compliance |
What happens next in the negotiation process?
The timeline for these changes depends on successful diplomatic and regulatory negotiations. The European Council gave permission to begin formal talks with the six Western Balkan countries on June 4, 2026. Following this approval, the Commission will conduct individual negotiations with each nation to secure bilateral agreements.
A specific date for when these changes will become active has not been established. The process requires each country to meet strict EU standards before the “Roam Like at Home” status can be granted. The ultimate goal is to reach a state where roaming costs are effectively non-existent by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries will be included in the new roaming zone?
The six countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Will I be able to use mobile data at my usual speeds?
The “Roam Like at Home” policy aims to provide service quality comparable to what you receive in your home country, subject to the regulatory compliance of the host nation.
When will these changes take effect?
There is no confirmed date yet. The Council approved the start of negotiations on June 4, 2026, and individual agreements must be signed first.
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