In a significant stride towards regional cooperation and affordable mobile communication, the reduction of roaming costs between EU and the Western Balkans, signed at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana late last year, has officially came into effect on 1 October.

After almost a year of joint work, under the facilitation umbrella and support from the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Commission, and with political support from the EU and the Western Balkans, telecommunications operators from both Western Balkans and the European Union, have not only met the requirements of the declaration but, in many cases, have exceeded expectations.

“As of this October, the price cap for 1 GB of data roaming within the special offers and packages, in line with the Roaming Declaration, should not exceed €18, making international travel and communication significantly more cost-effective,” stated a press release issued by the RCC.

In many cases the price cap of €18 within special offers and packages goes even much lower, down to €1.6 per 1 GB, while three Western Balkan operators, beside package prices, lowered even regular ‘pay-as-you-go’ prices.

RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu reminded that she had announced that almost a year before saying that roaming prices between the EU and Western Balkans would be falling with autumn leaves.

“If anyone had any doubts, I am pleased my words ring reassuring today. This landmark development is already reshaping the mobile data landscape for citizens and travellers. The success of the EU-Western Balkans Roaming Declaration is a testament to the power of regional cooperation, transforming communication for the better, even in the face of complex challenges,” said Bregu.