Statistical quality principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice
Principle 1
Professional independence of statistical authorities from other policy, regulatory or administrative departments and bodies, as well as from private sector operators, ensures the credibility of European Statistics.
Principle 1bis
National Statistical Institutes and Eurostat ensure the coordination of all activities for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics at the level of the national statistical system and the European Statistical System, respectively. Statistical authorities actively cooperate within the partnership of the European Statistical System, so as to ensure the development, production and dissemination of European statistics.
Principle 2
Statistical authorities have a clear legal mandate to collect and access information from multiple data sources for European statistical purposes. Administrations, enterprises and households, and the public at large may be compelled by law to allow access to or deliver data for European statistical purposes at the request of statistical authorities.
Principle 3
The resources available to statistical authorities are sufficient to meet European Statistics requirements.
Principle 4
Statistical authorities are committed to quality. They systematically and regularly identify strengths and weaknesses to continuously improve process and output quality.
Principle 5
The privacy of data providers, the confidentiality of the information they provide and its use only for statistical purposes and the security of data are absolutely guaranteed.
Principle 6
Statistical authorities develop, produce and disseminate European Statistics respecting scientific independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably.
Principle 7
Sound methodology underpins quality statistics. This requires adequate tools, procedures and expertise.
Principle 8
Appropriate statistical procedures, implemented through the statistical processes, underpin quality statistics.
Principle 9
The reporting burden is proportionate to the needs of the users and is not excessive for respondents. The statistical authorities monitor the response burden and set targets for its reduction over time.
Principle 10
Resources are used effectively.
Principle 11
European Statistics meet the needs of users.
Principle 12
European Statistics accurately and reliably portray reality.
Principle 13
European Statistics are released in a timely and punctual manner.
Principle 14
European Statistics are consistent internally, over time and comparable between regions and countries; it is possible to combine and make joint use of related data from different sources.
Principle 15
European Statistics are presented in a clear and understandable form, released in a suitable and convenient manner, available and accessible on an impartial basis with supporting metadata and guidance.