The Welfare State in the European Economic Area: Family Policy in Norway and the Czech Republic

The Kingdom of Norway and the Czech Republic can be described as relatively distinct countries in terms of historical, political and social development. Their relationship with the European Union is also different. While the Czech Republic has been a member of the EU since 2004, Norway is only a member of the European Economic Area. The diploma thesis focuses on the comparison of these two countries with regard to support for families with preschool children and the search for the causes of certain differences in this area. The comparative method is employed to analyse selected aspects of the family policy in both countries and compare them in order to identify common characteristics and differences. The focus is on the following aspects: available financial benefits, tax benefits and non-financial benefits (the provision of care for preschool children and flexible forms of work). An important part of the thesis is the question of the EU influence regarding support for families with children with respect to the differences in the relation of Norway and the Czech Republic towards it. In order to understand this influence, it analyses the development of the EU position on the support for families with children and the differences in the adoption of EU legislation by its member state and the state belonging only to the EEA, i.e. the situation of the Norwegian implementation of this legislation. The research covers primary sources, such as relevant directives issued by the European Union and the national legislation of the two countries.