European Statistical Law – in preparation

1. European Statistical Law – in preparation Kirsten Wismer & Lars Thygesen

2. Main topics 1. Professional independence 2. Administrative data 3. Coordinating role of the NSI 4. 'Commitments on Confidence in Statistics'

3. 1. Professional independence • “Statistics must be developed, produced and disseminated in an independent manner, • particularly as regards the selection of techniques, definitions, methodologies and sources to be used, and the timing and content of all forms of dissemination, • and that the performance of these tasks is free from any pressures from political or interest groups or from Union or national authorities”

4. 1. Professional independence – means • Rules for appointment and dismissal of Heads of NSI should be transparent and based on professional criteria only. • MS may establish a national body for assuring professional independence. • The Heads of NSI shall have the sole responsibility for • deciding on processes, method, publications and budget execution • coordinating national authorities • producing national guidelines to ensure quality. • At EU level, Eurostat shall act independently in ensuring the production of European statistics

5. 2. Administrative data • NSIs, other statistical authorities and Eurostat shall have the right to access and use all administrative records, promptly and free of charge, and to integrate these administrative data with statistics. • NSIs and Eurostat shall be consulted and involved in design, subsequent development and discontinuation of administrative records built up and maintained by other bodies • NSIs and Eurostat shall be involved in standardisation activities concerning administrative records. • Access and involvement shall be limited to administrative records within their own respective public administrative system. • Administrative records shall be accompanied by relevant metadata. • The NSIs and owners of administrative records shall establish the necessary cooperation mechanisms

6. 3. Coordinating role of the NSIs • The NSIs shall have the responsibility for coordinating all activities at national level for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. • The NSI shall act as the sole contact point for Eurostat. • Activities to be coordinated by the NSI: • Programming and reporting • Quality monitoring • Methodology • Data transmission • Communication

7. 3. Coordinating role – a compromise? The Head of NSI • shouldpublish an annualreport on production of European statistics in MS • shouldpreparenational guidelines thatensurethat the national production is in accordance with the Code of Practice MS • willensurethatproduction of European statistics is accordance to the these guidelines

8. 4. Commitments on Confidence in Statistics (CoC) • Political document aiming at creating good conditions for NSIs to comply with the CoP. • Purpose: to reinforce the quality of European statistics, to maintain users’ confidence and to strengthen the independence of NSIs and Eurostat. • Involve national governments in the responsibility for the country's compliance with the CoP. • Country specific and adapted to national specificities. CoCinclude specific undertakings by the government, national quality frameworks, self-assessments, improvement actions and monitoring mechanisms. • Focus on institutional principles (1-3). • Signed at the highest possible level by the government and the NSI.

9. The End!