Analysis
Security
The Kremlin Tests Europe’s Defences without Firing a Shot
24 September 2025
After months of pressure from allies, Germany has finally allowed the export of tanks to Ukraine. This great hesitancy was not only representative of the current administration in Berlin, but emblematic of the German ruling elite for decades, and highlights the fundamental issues of German foreign policy; issues that have sapped Berlin of its privileged position in Europe and the world.
Olaf Scholz may want to change his ways, but it is now too late. Filmed speaking in Davos last week, the Chancellor of Germany resembled nobody so much as Romania’s President Ceausescu during that famous balcony speech in December 1989, belatedly realising that the crowd had lost patience. It is too early to gauge the effects of Scholz’s political crash, but we are surely entering a period of change for European order. This is a German Brexit – a major European power putting its domestic dogma first and turning its back on its regional and global position.
The question is how this happened.
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
- 15% Discount (8 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
Student OR Donation
See all details
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Some Visegrad Insight events invitations
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.
