THE ACTIVITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE ABSORPTION OF EU FUNDS AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNES

Development relates to such research areas as local development and activity of local governments in obtaining external sources of financing for development in rural communes. The article includes theoretical considerations and the results of empirical studies conducted in the general area of all rural communes of the province of Lublin (171 units). The choice of the region was intentional, as it was classified as problem areas where accumulation of development barriers is observed. The scope of research covered the years 2004-2010 including programming periods related to financial assistance as part of the EU Structural Funds in the periods 2004-2006 and 2007-2013.