The paper presents the results of the research which permit, though partly, estimate the state of local councils preparation to usage European Union funds in three voivodships (świętokrzyskie, łódzkie and podlaskie) not fill with optimism. Too many councils, especially in poorly developed regions and rural communes, have not applied for support from pre-accession funds yet. What is more, there are not still taken any essential actions, preparing to integration with European Union, which would allow to use the potential development opportunities, given by the funds.