The European Commission has announced a proposal to expand free roaming services to the Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This initiative aims to extend the benefits of free roaming, which were established for EU member states nearly a decade ago, to non-EU countries. The proposal comes from Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from unexpected charges when traveling abroad.

In her announcement, Commissioner Kos highlighted that unexpected bills or higher fees are issues that EU citizens no longer face when they travel within member states. By initiating negotiations to implement free roaming with the Western Balkans, the EU seeks to foster closer ties and encourage travel, trade, and communication within the region. If agreed upon, this extension would not only benefit the consumers but could also bolster regional development and cooperation.

The proposal is now set to be presented to the EU's Council of Ministers, where the council will decide whether to move forward with negotiations. Successful implementation could significantly enhance connectivity for millions of travelers in the Balkans, making it easier for tourists and businesspeople alike to communicate without the burden of high roaming fees. As the EU continues to deepen its relationship with the region, this initiative reflects a strategic step in integrating the Western Balkans into the broader European framework.