EN
The key theoretical problem related to integration of less developed countries is the possibility of legitimate application of the existing theoretical framework of international economic integration to developed as well as developing countries (the question of its universality). The article aims at presenting selected theoretical approaches to the economic integration of less developed countries in the context of the general theory of international integration. With the use of an historical approach to the descriptive analytical method, the relevant international and Polish literature on the topic spanning from the middle of the past century until the beginning of the 21st century were thoroughly analysed. (original abstract)