European Union citizens traveling to any of the six Western Balkan countries, and vice versa, are now subject to more affordable data roaming prices, following the entry into force on October 1, of an agreement reached between 38 telecommunication operators back in December 2022, benefiting the citizens and businesses in both regions.
Last year’s agreement in Tirana, Albania’s capital, gained support from both the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Commission.
Starting this October, users can expect a reduction as the cost per gigabyte will be set at €18, and in 2026, the price is expected to drop even further to €14 per gigabyte. By 2028, consumers can look forward to an even more affordable rate of just €9 per gigabyte.
The telecommunication operators involved decided to make data roaming fees between the EU and the Western Balkans more similar to what people pay for using their phones within their own country. As part of this commitment, they are currently working on reducing these fees to ensure affordability.
Many of these companies are actively offering data roaming plans at prices significantly lower than the agreed-upon maximum limits, ensuring affordability for consumers.
Following the agreed-upon plan, more price cuts are scheduled for 2026, aiming to make data roaming costs nearly the same as what people pay for using their phones at home by 2028.
Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhely expressed his approval of the agreement signed by 38 telecommunication operators.
According to him, the objective is to create an environment where people from the Western Balkans and the European Union feel at home when visiting each other. He emphasized that this sense of belonging and comfort represents the true integration that people should strive for between the Western Balkans and the EU.
Lowering roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkans from 1 October this year will bring benefits to the EU and Western Balkan citizens and businesses alike. We are committed to do our utmost to speed up the real integration of the Western Balkans into our Single Market.
The latest changes bring about a reduction in roaming expenses for citizens of Western Balkans and the EU, all the while lowering business costs and encouraging cross-border business.
Telecommunication operators based in both the European Union and the Western Balkans are invited to become part of this initiative aimed at reducing costs.
