Montenegro is on track to join the European Union’s “Roam Like at Home” mobile roaming framework by late this year or early next year, contingent on the completion of necessary regulatory and technical adjustments. This development was confirmed by Milan Srzentić from Montenegro’s Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP).
By integrating into the EU roaming market, Montenegrin citizens will be able to utilize mobile services throughout EU member states without incurring additional charges. This means that calls, SMS, and mobile data will be billed at domestic rates instead of the higher international roaming fees that have historically applied.
The timeline for Montenegro’s accession is primarily influenced by the pace at which the country can align its telecommunications laws and regulations with those of the EU. The Montenegrin government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and other relevant bodies, is actively updating existing legislation and implementing new regulations required for compliance with the EU’s roaming framework. Officials anticipate that this legislative work will be largely finalized in the coming months.
Following the completion of regulatory adjustments, the focus will shift to technical implementation, which involves cooperation between local and European mobile operators. Telecom companies will need to modify their billing systems, network configurations, and roaming agreements to ensure that Montenegrin users can access services in the EU under conditions similar to those enjoyed by local subscribers. In previous cases, such as in Ukraine and Moldova, this implementation phase took about five months after regulatory approval was granted.
The final timeline for Montenegro’s integration will also hinge on the European Commission’s formal evaluation of the country’s preparedness to join the system. A positive assessment from Brussels is required to confirm that Montenegro has satisfied all necessary regulatory and market conditions before the roaming regime can be activated. Montenegrin authorities are reportedly working closely with European institutions to expedite this process and finalize preparations swiftly.
Joining the EU roaming framework signifies a further step in Montenegro’s ongoing economic and regulatory alignment with the European Union. The country already participates in a regional roaming agreement within the Western Balkans, which has eliminated roaming fees among six economies since July 2021.
Implementing similar arrangements with the EU is expected to lower communication costs for travelers, workers, and businesses engaged with European markets. This policy aims to remove the common practice of disabling mobile data when crossing borders to avoid unexpected charges, thereby simplifying cross-border communication.
For Montenegro, inclusion in the EU roaming area is part of a broader strategy for digital market integration tied to its accession process. By aligning its telecommunications regulations with European standards, the government seeks to bolster the competitiveness of its domestic telecom sector while enhancing connectivity for citizens and businesses operating within the European single market.
