Objective - The objective of the paper is to explore the capacity of mental health systems of Eastern Europe to engage in genuine mental health reforms. Methods – Proceeding from assumptions introduced by the School of Group Relations the propensity of organisations to abandon declared primary tasks under ideological, political and other context-related influences is adopted. The mental health scene of Eastern Europe is discussed from this perspective. Results - Change and progress are found to be impeded by rules prohibiting curiosity and challenge of routine practices. Conclusions - The emergence of networks of reform minded professionals in Eastern Europe is found to be a healthy sign. A major task ahead is the substitution of defunct structures of mental health (services, research, training) with new ones. The challenge of the inherited establishment is inevitable. The role of collaborative works with the West is of utmost importance.
