Financial possibilities within EU funds for local government units in Split-Dalmatian County

After recent Croatian accession to the European Union, there has been substantial increase in available financial means from EU funds for different groups of users. Local government units are one of the potential beneficiaries with greater possibilities and capacity. In this particular sector, there are more opportunities for the withdrawal of financial means for large infrastructural projects that can improve the quality of life for entire local community on several levels thus contributing to balanced regional development. But there is uncertainty regarding the ability of efficient utilization of these funds. For this reason it is necessary to carefully consider question of the success of this process. The research will be conducted in the form of a written questionnaire at all local government units of Split-Dalmatia County in order to determine the following: how successful they were in withdrawal of financial means from the EU pre-accession funds, what resources do they have for future applications, what kind of support and from whom they need to increase the payment ratio of available funds. Development Index (DI) defined by the Croatian Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds will be used in order to establish correlation between efficiency of local government units in withdrawal of financial means from EU funds and its general indicators included in DI. Correlations between DI and main issues, that local government units have at this regard, will give us possibility to answer relevant questions. Analytical observing and determination of contemporary trends conducted within survey will help us to predict future trends. Results will be analyzed and upon them suggestions for improvements will be provided.