This thesis focuses on regional associations of Local Action Groups (LAGs) in two regions and examines their contributions to cooperation with LAGs. The general premise is the existence of county networks that are the link between LAGs and the National LAG Network. The aim of the thesis is to find out whether the existence of regional associations is beneficial for the activities of LAGs and whether LAGs support LEADER principles in the territory and thus contribute to rural development. The thesis also examines the differences in the functioning of associations in two regions, where one association operates as an informal association and the other has legal personality.