LEADER started as a Community Initiative in the European Union in 1991 and has had positive results in rural development in the EU-15, especially on social capital. It is important to emphasise that rural development plans must be prepared at the local level, and LEADER funds are available only for those groups who are able to bring together different partners from the region. In Hungary, during the evaluation process 32 points from 100 were given for the LEADER features in the plan. This study examines the introduction of LEADER in Hajdu-Bihar county, Hungary. Earlier research in this county had revealed a low level of social resources. Interviews were conducted with the four local actions groups awarded EUfunding in 2006. The answers obtained underline the role of LEADER on the encouragement of partnership working at the start of the programme. As the application of the programme only began during summer 2006, a final assessment of the effect of LEADER on social capital can be made only at the end of the first call in 2008.