The European Commission has opened negotiations to extend the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ scheme to the Western Balkans, bringing Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia closer to more affordable mobile connectivity with the European Union.
Announced on 6 November 2026, the initiative aims to allow people travelling between the EU and the Western Balkans to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data without additional roaming charges, under the same conditions as at home.
Making connectivity easier for citizens and businesses
Once implemented, the extension would make it easier and more affordable for citizens, students, tourists and businesses to stay connected while travelling between the Western Balkans and the EU.
The move follows the Council of the EU’s decision in June 2026 to authorise negotiations with all six Western Balkan partners. It also builds on the European Commission’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and bringing the benefits of European integration closer to citizens.
What happens next?
The Commission has now opened bilateral negotiations with each Western Balkan partner. Before joining the EU roaming area, each partner will need to finalise an agreement and fully align with EU roaming rules.
Once these conditions are met, the Commission will invite the Council to extend the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ area accordingly.
Although the new arrangements are not yet in effect, the opening of negotiations marks another step towards closer digital integration, making connectivity across Europe more accessible and affordable for people and businesses in the Western Balkans.
