The RLH area covers the EU, Moldova and Ukraine, and the European Economic Area countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
The Council of the European Union has approved the opening of negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia (the ‘WB6’) to extend the EU’s Roam Like at Home (RLH) area to them.
The EU says today’s decision reflect its commitment to the region. RLH area covers the EU, Moldova and Ukraine, and the European Economic Area countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, commented, “Greater connectivity means greater opportunities for citizens, businesses and economic cooperation. By working towards an expanded common roaming area, we are making the benefits of European integration tangible in people’s daily lives. This is more than a technical step – it is a concrete demonstration of our shared future, strengthening ties across the region and reaffirming the Western Balkans European path.”
The RLH agreement means consumers can make calls, send text messages and use mobile data while travelling within the area covered by the agreement without paying additional roaming charges, under the same conditions as at home.
The European Commission will now begin negotiations on sectoral agreements with each of the WB6 partners. These agreements will be anchored to the existing Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs), which support the region’s stability, economic integration and rapprochement with the EU.
The sectoral agreements will establish the institutional framework necessary for their implementation and governance.
Before joining the RLAH area, each WB6 partner will need to fully align with and implement the EU roaming acquis. The Commission will assess compliance and, where the outcome is positive, confirm that the necessary conditions have been met.
Following a positive assessment, the joint body established under each of the relevant agreements will be able to decide on the reciprocal opening of the EU and WB partner’s roaming markets, enabling citizens and businesses to benefit from roaming services without additional charges.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
