ABSTRACT
The last two countries resulting from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, declared their independence, respectively, in 2006 and 2008. Montenegro's conflict with Serbia, which took a turn in 1997, has significantly affected its relations with Kosovo. Montenegro's refusal to send its police forces to fight in Kosovo during the war (1998–1999) and the reception of many Kosovar refugees fleeing Serbian repression proved this change of course. Under pressure from Serbia and contrary to the latter, Montenegro recognized Kosovo's independence in October 2008. Relations between Montenegro and Kosovo had marked a steady increase, reaching their peak with the recognition of Kosovo in 2008 and then the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2012. This chapter analyzes the evolution of these relations by taking into account the internal and external political aspects. For Montenegro, Euro–Atlantic integrations represent the main factor in the evolution of its policy toward Kosovo. The chapter analyzes the Euro–Atlantic perspective of these two countries as an important contribution to stability in the Western Balkan region. The chapter takes a stepwise approach through an analysis of their interaction with their neighbors and the importance of these relationships for regional integration.
