As stated in the announcement for the session, in addition to the proposal to abolish roaming, there will also be discussion of the EU's position on closing Chapter 21 (trans-European networks) in negotiations with Montenegro.
The European Commission's program to open negotiations with six Western Balkan countries to include them in the EU's "Roam Like at Home" regime is an EU regulation that allows the use of mobile phones in other member states at the same prices as in the home country.
This means that when using a mobile phone in the EU zone, there are no additional roaming costs for calls, SMS messages or internet use.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos previously assessed that roaming costs are a problem for people across the Western Balkans.
"They affect workers crossing borders or families who simply want to stay in touch. Sudden bills or higher costs while travelling are something we no longer know within the EU. We have now proposed to extend this to the Western Balkans. This would mean easier calls and mobile data at prices like at home," Kos said.
With the proposal for negotiating mandates, the Commission is seeking approval from the EU Council to open negotiations with partners from the Western Balkans.
Once the Council adopts this request, the European Commission will negotiate bilateral agreements with each country in the region.
Once successfully concluded, these agreements will pave the way for the Western Balkans to become part of the EU's "Roam Like at Home" area.
