This article introduces the notion of existence of three main character layers of the EU in international politics – a political layer, a normative layer and an economic one. This claim originates from a long-run theoretical debate about EU´s international actorness. The theoretical part is followed by a qualitative content analysis. Its purpose is to identify the presence of one or more of the character layers in EU´s bilateral relationship with South Africa and their possible dominance throughout the duration of their cooperation. The content analysis focuses on key documents and treaties that were signed by both partners. The results show that in the recent years, role of two of these layers – the political and the economic one – is equalising and dominance of either one of them is not clear-cut. Only the normative layer has been lagging behind in the long run.