Kosovo as a Limitus Test of 'Normative Power' Europe or Embedded in Old-Style Cost Calculations Politics?

Abstract

This research paper seeks to come out with an exogenous explanation of why the EU is following a different strategy toward a potential integration with full member rights for Kosovo, which is not included in a road-map for Western Balkans, at least not yet. To do so, the paper uses an intergovernmentalist versus constructivist theoretical explanations, where the first corresponds to the actions that EU undertakes based on cost calculations and other rational motives and the other builds on the presumed value-conflicting norms that precipitate or inhibit the process of Kosovos integration in EU. The main driving question that this research paper seeks to answer is: Does Kosovo integration process pose a challenge or opportunity for EU to build on its image as a 'normative power'? Our initial hypotheses suggest that Kosovo is perceived mostly as a challenge to EU absorbing capabilities, mostly because of the objections concerning its disputable (yet) statehood. Nevertheless, as it will be argued from an analytical (not normative angle), Kosovo fulfills all the criteria for full membership in EU in the due time, having made enough progress not only in the legal aspect (incorporation of acqui, strengthening of rule of law etc), but also politically, socially and culturally), adding to EU architecture a real value. Without Western Balkans in general and Kosovo as part of its own community of values, EU cannot be fully completed and it sets a setback on the rhetorical commitment and 'entrapment' (Schimmelfennig 2003) that promises a post-national belonging to these countries. Kosovo thus represents a real value for EU, yet to be understood and duly integrated.