Inspired by the European Union, we’ve ensured that Western Balkan citizens will be able to make calls, text and surf the internet roaming-free across the region, starting July 1, Minister of Information Society and Administration Jeton Shaqiri told the Regional Cooperation Council’s Western Balkans ICT Ministerial meeting entitled “Heading towards Roaming Free Western Balkans” held in Podgorica on Friday.

This, he added, is only the beginning, stressing the importance of the agreement, a precondition for reducing roaming costs between the Western Balkans and the European Union.

“Memorandums on 5G, interoperability and confidential services, signed last year in Tirana opened the gates for establishing a shared technical language. This will ensure efficient communication between ICT systems in the region, as well as future communication with EU member states. It’s a small, but significant step in building a digital society based on trust, “ Shaqiri said.

He also announced enhanced cooperation in the region, as well as investments in networks and infrastructure, aimed at improving the quality and speed of communication.

“We have to use this opportunity to speed up progress in connecting the region. We have to band together to ensure cross-border and cross-sector cooperation to improve the quality of life and speed up economic recovery in the region,” the Minister underlined.