The European Commission has announced that it has proposed launching negotiations with six Western Balkan countries to include them in the European Union's "Roam Like at Home" regime, an EU regulation that allows mobile phone users to use their phones in other member states at the same prices as in their own country.
The news was announced by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, through a post on the social network X.
"Roaming charges are a problem throughout the Western Balkans – for workers working abroad and for families calling their loved ones. Unexpected bills while traveling are something we no longer accept in the EU. Today we propose to start talks to include the Western Balkans in this," Kos wrote in X.
"Roam Like at Home" was initiated by the European Union in June 2017 and currently applies to EU member states and European Economic Area countries.
Roaming charges are a problem across the Western Balkans. For cross-border workers and families calling loved ones abroad.
— Marta Kos (@MartaKosEU) February 25, 2026
Surprise bills when traveling are something we no longer accept in the EU.
Today, we proposed to start talks to extend this to the Western Balkans. pic.twitter.com/jzenTQgEEO
With this proposal to launch negotiations, the European Commission seeks the approval of the Council of the European Union to open negotiations with partners from the Western Balkans.
The next step, once the Council approves the request, is for the European Commission to negotiate bilateral agreements with each country in the region. Once these agreements are successfully concluded, the way will be opened for the Western Balkan countries to become part of the EU's "Roam Like at Home" area.