Re-examination of EU normative power in light of the revised enlargement methodology towards the Western Balkans

The aim of this article is to re-examine the concept ?EU normative power? in revised EU approach enlargement policy announced 2020. Drawing on conceptualisation power Foreign Policy Analysis applies reading EU?s soft and hard - both as capability influence power. empirical part thus identifies above four elements within promotion its particular norms strife for international normality via policy. results show that new methodology does offer change could more effectively condition respect by an exemplary domestic practice assuring own foreign legitimacy turn developing applying needed capabilities achieving attractiveness. Even though a plan positive conditionality better-defined conditions direct negotiations carries such potential, risk exists biggest novelty ?phasing-in? paradigm would only explore norm-related market keeping Western Balkans countries candidates forever, undermining negative conditionality. To promote normality, however, needs activate other influence, namely agenda setting persuasion.