%0 Journal Article
%T Local Government in Poland Before and After its Accession to the European Union. The Use of EU Funds by Local Government Units as Exemplified by Podkarpackie Voivodeship
%A Zima, Łukasz
%J Public Administration Yearbook
%V 2016
%R 10.4467/24497800RAP.16.017.5110
%N 2016 (2)
%P 331-352
%K financial support, European Union, public administration, local government units, European Union funds, local development
%@ 2449-7797
%D 2016
%U https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/rocznik-administracji-publicznej/article/samorzad-terytorialny-w-polsce-przed-i-po-przystapieniu-do-unii-europejskiej-wykorzystanie-funduszy-unijnych-przez-jednostki-samorzadu-terytorialnego-na-przykladzie-wojewodztwa-podkarpackiego
%X 
	The local government has been part of the Polish political system in 1990. The key moments in the transformation of the organization in the country were the adoption in 1999 of a three-tier territorial division and the entrance into force of the Act of 2002 on the direct election of mayors and governors. The local government is a form of participation of citizens in shaping a level of public life at local and regional level. The regional government plays a significant role in the functioning of the Polish state. The purpose of this article is to present regulations relating to the functioning of the local government in Poland. In order to make a comprehensive analysis it is necessary to present the changes in the given branch after Polish integration with the European Union and to present the impact of EU funds on the development of the local government units. Using EU funds implemented a number of projects aimed at improving skills, social integration and employment and improving the competitiveness and innovation of Polish enterprises. Particular attention should be paid to the impact of EU funds on regional development and the construction of modern infrastructure in local government units. Development of individual local governments directly translates into improved living standards and the development of the Polish state.