Analysis of Changes in Life Quality Indicators for Countries Inducted to the European Union Class of 2004

The article presents the ranking of countries inducted to the European Union class of 2004, covering the idea of the quality of life, created with the usage of data accessible in European statistics. The ranking was created with the usage of the taxonomic method that allowed to prepare a synthetic measure that enabled the comparison of different absolute data. Tested entities were countries joined European Union in 2004. Authors analyse changes in the level of the quality of life seven years after the accession. It allows to check if and how the participation in the European Union structures affects the quality of life in countries with similar background when accessing to the EU. The synthetic indicator created by authors was based on such aspects as: economic and physical safety, education, health, material and living conditions, natural and living environment and productive or main activity. It was then compared to the other indicator that is said to describe the quality of life – HDI. The comparison reveals that analysing the quality of life is a difficult and comprehensive process requiring a broad look at variables and the analysed idea itself. The paper may also be treated as a guidepost showing areas which need improvement as far as the quality of life is concerned. A place in the ranking represents how many areas require changes and in which spheres they should be implemented. Nevertheless, constant improvement of the quality of life is the key to increase the widely understood welfare of societies.