Wprowadzenie.Practical experience of authors in obtaining co-fi nances from national and international sources, their participation in many Polish and European projects, as well as availability of resources and documents allow authors to show the possible sources of fi nancing for projects and programmes concerning public health.

European Union and International Organizations are highlighting the importance of investing in the health care. Health care participation in answering of the Europe’s challenges i.e.: threats of the citizens’ health security; ageing population; shrinking workforce; socio-economical transformation, is indispensable.

Those challenges constitute the shape of the EU fi nancial perspective, which implements EU strategy for health. On 23rd October 2007 the European Commission adopted a new Health Strategy White Paper, “Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013”, which provides an overall strategic framework for future work on health issues at the European level. It introduces possible directions which will help in solving the problems the EU faces, as well as stressing the importance of investing in health care.

One of the main European Commission instrument, which implements EU strategy for health is the second programme of Community action in the fi eld of health (2008-2013), with a overall budget 321 500 000 EUR. At the same time, the Programme complements and gives an added value to the policy of member countries within the scope of health as well as to the policy within the other life areas. Moreover the instruments, which should be also taken into consideration i.e.: 7th Framework Programme, Swiss Financial Support, or structural funds, in particular European Social Funds, which co-fi nances the Human Capital Operational Programme - as the best area, which is closest to the behavioral and social determinants of health. It leads authors to the conclusions that European funds, when successfully implemented, give a big support in fulfi llment of goals and directions of national and EU policy. Funds cannot substitute, but only have to complement activities run by the EU member countries. On the national and European level, it should be the aim to increase participation of health care in co-fi nancing from European funds.