Travelers heading to the Western Balkans could eventually use their phones without worrying about extra roaming charges, as the European Union moves forward with plans to expand its roaming zone beyond its current borders.

The European Commission is working on a proposal that would bring six Western Balkan countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia — under the same roaming framework currently used across EU member states and participating European countries.

If the plan is approved, residents and visitors would be able to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data in those countries under conditions similar to those they already enjoy throughout much of Europe.

The process, however, is still at an early stage. While the Commission has expressed support for the expansion, the proposal must first receive approval from EU member states before negotiations can begin.

Earlier this year, the Commission asked the Council of the European Union for authorization to open formal talks with the six Western Balkan partners. Once approved, separate agreements would need to be negotiated with each country.

According to the Commission, successful negotiations would create the legal framework necessary for the Western Balkans to join the EU roaming area and apply domestic mobile rates similar to those used within the bloc.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the countries could become part of the roaming zone. The outcome depends not only on EU institutions but also on national regulators and governments in the participating countries.

The proposal follows a broader effort to strengthen ties between the EU and its Western Balkan neighbors. Earlier this year, Ukraine and Moldova joined the regulated European roaming system, allowing users to benefit from reduced mobile communication costs while traveling.

For Czech travelers, the change could prove particularly useful. Albania and Montenegro have become increasingly popular summer destinations, while many motorists driving further south through Europe regularly pass through Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Outside the EU roaming zone, mobile data usage can quickly generate unexpected charges, especially for travelers relying on navigation apps, messaging services and online bookings.

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