The Credibility of Credit: The Strategic Triangle between the European Union, China and Montenegro since 2010.

Abstract

Montenegro is subject to conditionality as an EU candidate state amidst their accession process. At the same time, the Montenegrin government has initiated an economic partnership with China to finance the ambitious Bar-Boljare highway project. This article sheds light on this trilateral relationship through an analysis of the link between the failed Europeanisation of Montenegro and their choice to sway towards China rather than accept EU funding. The research is based on an analysis of Montenegro’s annual EU accession reports.