The European Commission officially announced today the signing of an agreement between telecommunications operators within the European Union, and some of the countries in the Western Balkans, for the reduction of roaming charges for telecommunications starting from October 2023.
"Today, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, the Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, as well as the heads of state or government of the EU member states and the western states.
Balkan partners participated in the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana. Holding the Summit for the first time in the region is a clear sign of the EU's strong commitment to the Western Balkans and their path to the EU.
The EU leaders reaffirmed their full and unequivocal commitment to the prospect of Western Balkans joining the European Union. They called for the acceleration of the accession process based on credible reforms by partners, fair and rigorous conditionality and the principle of own merits.
The escalation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine endangers European and global peace and security. It underlines the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans region.
Leaders also witnessed the signing of a declaration by representatives of EU and Western Balkan telecoms operators on the first voluntary reduction of roaming charges between the region and the EU, starting in October 2023. The European Commission and the Regional Cooperation Council facilitated Agreement negotiations and decisions on further cuts are expected in May 2023."
We take every opportunity to bring the EU and the Western Balkans and our people closer together.
ahead of the #EUWBSummit, telecom operators agreed to lower data roaming charges between both regions, starting next year.
This is good for businesses, our people and tourism.
- European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) December 6, 2022
