European Commission seeks talks to bring Western Balkans into “Roam Like at Home”

The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to bring them into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” framework. The proposal was reported on 25 February 2026.

If talks result in agreements and each partner fully aligns with EU roaming rules, travellers moving between the EU and the Western Balkans would be able to make calls, send texts and use mobile data without additional roaming surcharges, at domestic-rate conditions — in both directions.

What the Commission is proposing

The initiative concerns negotiation mandates. The Commission is asking the Council to authorise it to start talks with each of the six Western Balkans partners.

Once the Council gives the green light, the Commission would negotiate separate bilateral agreements with each partner. Only after successful conclusion of those agreements — and full regulatory alignment — would the Western Balkans be positioned to join the “Roam Like at Home” area.

What it could mean for corporate travel

For companies and frequent business travellers, the key change would be the potential shift in connectivity costs and rules on trips to the Western Balkans. If the process ends with a “Roam Like at Home” rollout, usage would be billed under domestic-rate conditions rather than standard roaming add-ons.

Travel managers and procurement teams may then need to update policy guidance (SIM recommendations, data expectations, expense reporting rules). TMCs and mobility administrators may also need clearer traveller comms about when and under what conditions the new rules apply on each of the six routes.

No rollout date yet

The Commission has proposed starting negotiations, but no effective date has been set for “Roam Like at Home” between the EU and the Western Balkans. Any timeline depends on the Council’s decision, bilateral negotiations and the pace of regulatory alignment.