Revised EU law heralds new chapter for official statistics

Brussels: The landscape of European statistics is entering a new chapter with the Council of the European Union’s adoption of the revised Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics on 5 November — an updated law governing the development, production and dissemination of European official statistics.

Following adoption by the European Parliament, this final step in the legislative process marks a significant upgrade for data collection and sharing across the EU.

The introduced changes will allow Eurostat in partnership with national statistical authorities to meet growing demands for more detailed and timely European official statistics and to respond more effectively to emerging needs, particularly during crises.

The revised law enhances the access of national statistical authorities to administrative sources. Furthermore, for the first time, the law includes a requirement to make privately held data available for the compilation of official statistics, while ensuring safeguards for sensitive information and reducing the reporting burden on businesses.

Other key features of the revised Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 include the fostering of data sharing among the statistical authorities of the EU Member States as well as making innovation and experimental statistics an indispensable part of their core business. The Regulation also includes possibilities for national statistical institutes to assume new roles and tasks in national data governance frameworks.

The Regulation will now be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force 20 days thereafter, opening a new chapter for Europe’s statistical future.