The Council of the European Union has begun negotiations to extend the Roam Like at Home (RLH) zone to include six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This move showcases the EU’s dedication to enhancing connectivity within the region, a sentiment expressed by Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. She emphasizes that “greater connectivity means greater opportunities for citizens, businesses, and economic cooperation,” marking a significant step towards a shared European future.
Currently, the RLH area includes the EU, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Economic Area countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Inclusion in this zone allows consumers to make calls, send messages, and use mobile data across these regions without incurring additional roaming fees.
The European Commission will initiate discussions with each of the Western Balkan partners on sectoral agreements. These will be tied to the existing Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) that promote stability, economic cooperation, and integration with the EU. The agreements will lay the groundwork for effective implementation and governance of the RLH framework.
To participate in the RLH area, each Western Balkan partner must fully align with the EU’s roaming regulations. Compliance will be assessed, and a positive assessment will pave the way for reciprocal market opening, allowing both EU and Western Balkan citizens and businesses to enjoy seamless roaming services.
It’s worth mentioning that Kosovo’s participation in these negotiations aligns with UN resolutions and international legal opinions. The decision, though technical, underscores a concrete step forward for the Western Balkans on their path towards European integration.
