The diploma thesis looks at the relationship between the development of the standard of living of the citizens and the economic development of the state in relation to membership in the European Union. It compares the three Member States that joined the EU in 1995 - Austria, Finland and Sweden. For comparisons outside the EU were selected Norway and Switzerland. These countries have been selected because both refused to join the EU. Third country to compare is the largest economy in the world (which is the inspiration of the Union - the United States of America). The theoretical part deals with the history of individual countries as well as with the development and current problems of the Union. The main indicators of the practical part of ...