This thesis presents an overview of the European Union, more precisely, the history of its formation and the path of the Republic of Croatia's entry into the member states, as well as European funds and their utilization in the Republic of Croatia and the city of Pleternica. EU funds represent financial instruments developed to support the implementation of certain EU policies in all member countries. They are intended to be used by craftsmen, entrepreneurs, various associations, counties, municipalities, all public institutions and other persons. The money of the European funds represents the money of European citizens allocated to specific users in order to implement projects and thus contribute to the achievement of all the goals of crucial public policies. ESI funds make up the largest part of the European Union's budget, whose main characteristic is the decentralized management system and is intended only for member states. Compared to the ESI funds, the main characteristic of the Union program is the centralized management system, since it is managed by the institutions of the European Union and is open to member states and associated countries that sign contracts or pay membership fees. The Republic of Croatia becomes a beneficiary of funds from the Union's funds after it became a full member of the European Union. In the Republic of Croatia, the utilization of Union funds is growing strongly and continuously, which continues to provide great financial assistance to an increasing number of entrepreneurs. The paper describes examples of successfully implemented EU projects in the area of the city of Pleternica, and the following projects were selected as examples: Cultural route of Becharac and Ganga, E-incubator, Interpretation center Terra Panonica, ZelEnU education for Pleternica and Make a wish, then do it - phase II.