This policy memo analyzes the growing Chinese influence in Montenegro and emphasizes the urgency of accelerating European integration as a key strategy for maintaining the country’s political, economic, and institutional stability. It proposes strengthening the rule of law, aligning with EU standards, and fostering synergy with Western partners (the EU and the U.S.) to reduce the space for Chinese economic and political influence. The key imperative is the unwavering commitment of the new government to implementing reforms over the next 12-18 months, firmly positioning Montenegro within the Western geopolitical framework.

The document was created as part of the project ,,Countering Chinese Influence in Southeast Europe", implemented under the coordination of ESTIMA, in cooperation with CeMI and three other partner organizations in Albania (Albanian Institute for International Studies), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Transparency International), and Serbia (Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society).