The European Union has labeled China as a cooperation partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival but is struggling to implement policies that account for the complexities of this relationship.
Carnegie scholar Allison Carragher tells BIRN that the Peljesac Bridge in Croatia – financed by the EU but built by Chinese – is a prime example of how Brussels finances Beijing’s ambitions in the Balkans.
The European Union has labeled China as a cooperation partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival but is struggling to implement policies that account for the complexities of this relationship.
Allison Carragher was a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, where she specialized in economic engagement in the Western Balkans and countries of the former Yugoslavia.
Financed by the EU, the construction of the Pelješac Bridge in Croatia has been a resounding success for Chinese soft power. Policymakers in Brussels should implement changes to the union’s procurement policy to avoid supporting the ambitions of its economic competitor and systemic rival.