Commentary
Democratic Security
Whiff of Tragedy in Munich – And Tough Choices for CEE
27 February 2026
Allocating funds for new member states in the next EU budget is essential to the credibility of the accession process. Without it, grand speeches and ceremonious announcements remain empty words.
Originally published by the EUobserver, this text derives from our common efforts and discussions at the Europe Future Forum.
There is talk of new momentum in the European Union (EU) accession process. From the German Chancellor to the French President, most European political leaders now say they support EU enlargement. Recently, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called enlargement an ‘investment in our collective security and freedom’.
When EU citizens think about enlargement, however, 37 per cent are concerned about ‘costs to European taxpayers’, according to a recent Eurobarometer poll. Costs are the third most widespread concern, scoring just slightly below ‘uncontrolled migration’ (40 per cent) and ‘corruption, organised crime and terrorism’ (39 per cent). In Germany, Belgium, Austria and Cyprus, costs even top the list of concerns.
Subscribe
Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.
MonthlyVAT included
See all details
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
AnnualVAT included
See all details
- Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
- Almost 17% discount (12 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
Institutional
See all details
- Access to all articles for your team
- Access to all Reports for your team
- Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
- Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
- Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
- Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)
I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?
The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT
For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu
- Access to all articles for your team
- Access to all Reports for your team
- Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
- Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
- Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
- Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)
Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across
Can I receive an invoice?
Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.
Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.
How modify or cancel my subscription?
At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.
