Decentralization and local governance in Lithuania

Abstract

Decentralization in Lithuania started as the consequence of the transition from a socialist system to a market economy and democracy. These changes took place as there was no an alternative governance structures. Decentralization was led by the pre-accession processes to the European Union. Currently, decentralization is caused by the changes in socio-economic environment when society required for more qualitative management of the state, for more and better quality public services. The historical transformation from centralized into decentralized governance passed through four main reforms; however, results of the reforms revealed that centralization has increased over past 25 years. The decentralization remains as one of strategic goals but till now is haunted by the lack of political will, systemic approach in strategic decision-making and implementation.