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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Comparative Analysis of Governmental Accounting Diversity in the European Union

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Abstract Comparability of governmental financial reporting in the EU presents important problems, as long as the preparation of budget information is not harmonized and National Accounts works as the only reference to verify compliance with stability objectives. Understanding the differences between the magnitudes indicative of budgetary discipline and the diversity of accounting policies is of paramount importance, especially for the Eurozone. This paper quantifies and analyzes the differences between financial and budgetary reporting policies of EU members, identifies the main factors that determine their diversity and analyzes the results in light of the different traditions of public administration and accounting policies.