The document discusses improving budgetary and financial management reforms in Central and Eastern European countries. It notes that in the past, some countries had large budget deficits, spending more than budgeted each year and delays in auditing. Previous governments approached reforms by centralizing activities in the Ministry of Finance and developing action plans. Pressure from parliament, auditors, and the Ministry of Finance's monitoring role helped drive reforms. The document questions if the same centralized approach through the Ministry of Finance could work for these countries and whether reforms have succeeded in creating managerial accountability, strong auditing functions, and transparent financial management at local levels given challenges like reluctance to lose power and take responsibility. It ends by asking what change strategies could be used to implement transparent