A Road Not Taken? Perceptions of the EU as an Actor in the Bar-Boljare Highway Project

Abstract

This study set out to shed light on the viewpoints and actions of EU actors surrounding the Montenegrin public debt increase as a result of the Bar-Boljare highway project. Therefore, four EU civil servants and five non-EU experts were asked about their perceptions of the EU as an actor in this case, and which actions it has taken or should best take. By comparing their expert opinions and by connecting them with other sources on the project and related subjects, the importance of professional research for policy-making is underlined. The paper argues that the perceived EU salience for and attitudes towards this transport project vary strongly between respondents. Expert interviewees differ in opinion on the gravity of the issue, with a possible presence of political bias. Multiple EU goals for this case were found in one or both of the interviewee categories, with most being socio-economic in nature. Finally, several potential institutions or initiatives are proposed for EU intervention in this issue, although case resolution by the Union is mostly seen as unlikely. Future research should point out if these conclusions are also supported by interviews with other relevant actors.