European integration from the perspective of local authorities : an empirical analysis of six municipalities

This chapter deals with the perception of integration of "local Poland" with the EU as seen by the local authorities, and also discusses elements of local politics from the perspective of the European integration. The research results show that utilitarian attitudes dominate the perception of the EU membership. Perception of well-being and collective interests of the local community constitute the perspective from which EU membership is assessed. Local authorities are also judged by their communities on the basis of their success in acquiring and usefully spending EU financial support.