Local Governments Struggling Under Centralisation Trends

Municipalities had to fight COVID-19 and their own national governments at the same time

22 March 2023

The COVID-19 crisis presented new kinds of challenges for local governments both in terms of crisis management tasks and the quickly changing legal, political and financial framework in which they operate.

New research conducted by Hungarian, Polish, Romanian and Czech civil society organisations highlights how the more lasting effects of the pandemic have manifested through changing legislation, local governments’ access to funding, transparency and accessibility of local decision-making – all of which point to a shrinking space for manoeuvrability, deliberation and civic engagement.

Editor’s Pick:  What’s In Store for the Ukrainian Spring

The past three years have been characterised by cumulative crises. In the wake of the pandemic, European economies first took a hit in 2020, and then in 2021, inflation returned in force and continued to present a challenge through 2022 and into 2023. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, EU countries provided refuge for millions of Ukrainians while also attempting to decouple the Russian energy supply and tackle increased energy prices going into the heating season of 2022/23.

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

€4/month

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

€40/year

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

Choose your contribution

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.

István Pósfai

István Pósfai is a regional and urban development policy expert at K-Monitor Watchdog for Public Funds. His professional focus is EU Cohesion Policy and has experience working in both Hungarian and European public administration. He holds an MA in Public Policy from CEU.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.