Western Balkans and EU soon to begin negotiations on abolishing roaming charges – Each country to negotiate individually

The Western Balkans and the European Union are set to begin negotiations on establishing a free-roaming zone. Each country in the region will negotiate individually, based on its own level of readiness, stated Amer Kapetanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

Speaking at the eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit in Herceg Novi, he noted that the start of these negotiations represented a significant step toward integrating the region into the European digital market. He reminded that a free-roaming zone within the Western Balkans had previously been established following years of collaboration with telecommunications operators and regulators.

– This is a truly significant step forward, one that could even be described as the phased integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union's single market – he stated.

He emphasized the importance of translating the commitments made at the previous year's Digital Summit in Skopje into tangible results that would make daily life easier for citizens. He highlighted the interconnection of digital wallets as a key priority, which would facilitate data exchange between institutions and reduce the need for citizens and businesses to obtain and submit paper-based documentation.

– People are carrying around physical papers, even though it's unnecessary. Processes could be significantly accelerated by adopting models already in use within the European Union – said Kapetanovic.

Regarding the development of artificial intelligence, he announced the preparation of a roadmap for the Western Balkans, aligned with European Union standards. He noted that the leaders of the Berlin Process were expected to endorse this initiative, paving the way for further concrete actions in this field. Kapetanovic also underscored the importance of developing digital infrastructure, specifically 5G networks and fiber-optic cables, stressing that the continued growth of digital services was impossible without reliable infrastructure.

He mentioned that discussions had been held with telecommunications operators regarding recommendations to be presented to the leaders. These focus on streamlining the procedures for obtaining permits to deploy 5G networks and fiber-optic cables. Among the key takeaways from the first day of the summit, he highlighted progress in roaming negotiations with the European Union, the interconnection of digital wallets, the preparation of a joint approach, the development of artificial intelligence and the enhancement of digital infrastructure.

Today, on the second day of the summit, held in Portonovi, right on the Montenegrin coast, participants will discuss digitalization and public services, regional cooperation, and the protection of children in the digital environment.

Regional Cooperation Council

RCC

Amer Kapetanović

free roaming

abolishing roaming in Western Balkans