ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS PERCEPTION BY SOCIETY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic was invited to join the European Union in 2004. Despite its European integration, Czech Republic has problems with Europeanization, even after 13 years of membership. Current situation in the European Union (EU), its perception by society and the using of European funds is analyzed in the paper. This article emphasizes the analysis of the people's opinions on current European system, especially on the subsidies. The work is divided into two parts. The first part contains an analysis of the current economic situation (inc.European funds) in the Czech Republic. The second part contains the survey results from two groups of people. The first group A is represented by ordinary people who are mostly employed. The people who own companies or people with high business status were in the second group B. All respondents had to meet two criteria - Czech nationality and at least Bachelor's degree. Results were obtained through questionnaires and deep interviews were compared with statistical numbers. Eurostat data and Czech statistical office show positive impacts on economic growth by using European funds. Research shows rising euroscepticism and poorly informed public. How it will continue? Was the Great Britain the last one? What will be next regulation? Is Brussels still capable to lead the EU's members in the future? Is it still the same European Union that we entered into at the beginning?