The article presents an overview of legal acts containing regulations regarding the possibilities for the establishment of international cooperation between local government units, with an emphasis on cross-border cooperation. The second section has defined the determinants and objectives which prompt local government authorities to establish such cross-border cooperation. The last section presents selected practical examples of such activity at the borders of Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries. The article ends with conclusions and suggestions for the representatives of local authorities that are currently involved in establishing or wish to establish international cooperation.