EN
The aim of the paper is to determine the role of EU funds in the achievement of development goals formulated in the strategies of rural communes. For the purpose of research the authors of the paper chose five communes from the region of Lower Silesia, which have a high share of areas legally protected because of their great natural value. The activity of the communes' authorities in respect of obtaining EU funds has been analyzed and assessed, basing on budget incomes and expenditures as well as the level of indebtedness. The characteristic features of persons engaged in the obtaining of financial means from EU funds have been also determined. The opinions of the communes' inhabitants concerning the activity of local authorities in favor of development have been also gathered.