"Roaming tariffs with the EU end in 2026" - Rama and Kos, at the joint table for the Western Balkans
Roaming tariffs with the European Union will end in 2026. This was announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama, at the joint roundtable with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and the 6 leaders of the Western Balkans.
Rama also spoke about Albania's initiative for Digital Identity, being a step ahead of the EU.
"Roaming tariffs between the EU and the Western Balkans will end in 2026. We have abolished the domestic roaming tariff and reduced the tariffs, now with the finalization of the legal basis by the commission, roaming light at home, is the program that will put an end to the different tariff system. Negotiations start in early 2026, Albania will complete full harmonization, by April 2026 we are ready.
Our next success after SEPA. Roaming is not about phone bills, but about removing another artificial border. Digital identity is ready by the new year in Albania. When the EU launches with it, in 2027, we will be waiting there. 3 border crossings, from obstacles to engines of development.”
In her speech, Commissioner Kos said that the European Union will be a tangible reality for Albanian citizens. She added that the Western Balkan countries must strengthen regional cooperation to strengthen their economies.
"In terms of funds disbursed, we are still below 10% of the total amount, and 400 million euros out of a 6 billion euro package that has been set aside for the region, so we can do more and we must do more all together. And I want to use today's discussion to plan for the second part of the implementation of the growth plan. So where can we do more? In what areas can we support you better?
For example, your countries should become part of our common market, our energy market, our European value chains. We lack progress in regional economic integration, which brings lower economic growth. A functional common regional market would increase your economies by 10%”, said Kos.
The discussion took place within the framework of the regional summit "Growth Plan, our path to the EU", held in Tirana.
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