A prerequisite for successfully attracting EU funding is knowing the priorities and objectives of the European Union defined by its strategic and program documents. These documents set out clear and measurable objectives for all investments taken by Member States or candidate countries. The objectives of EU strategies must be translated into national and regional strategies in order to set up a framework within which each country can determine its own priorities. Each project aiming for EU funding must be devised in accordance with the development strategies. In the pre-accession period, the Istrian County was one of the most successful Croatian counties in seizing EU funding opportunities. A large part of these funds was allocated for environmental protection. The aim of this paper is to determine the contribution of EU funded projects in achieving strategic development goals and priorities of the Istrian County concerning environmental protection. The paper focuses on the results of projects whose financing was approved in the pre-accession period. A comparison is made with respect to the goals set by the Regional Operational Programme (2006 - 2010) and Regional Development Strategy (2011 - 2016). The first part of the paper provides an insight into public policies that ensure the investment and strategic framework for meeting the EU environmental objectives. By analysing the European, national and regional strategies the candidate illustrates funding priorities in the field of nature and environmental protection. Various programs under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance are showcased as funding opportunities for which the Istrian County applied the most and achieved the best results. As examples of projects implemented by the Istrian County, the candidate outlined projects designed for the rehabilitation of illegal landfills, prevention of forest fires, protection of drinking water resources and improvement of water supplies. By analysing the project proposals and implementation reports, the candidate was able to establish the level of sustainability of the achieved outcomes and results. The final section provides recommendations, guidance and advice for the development of future projects which aim to achieve EU funding.