letin of European Statistics

M ' -~*i "VÍ Statistical Office of the European Communities SIGMA 4 ■ 1997

Sigma ­ the bulletin of European statistics produced in Luxembourg by Eurostat Chief editor Daniel Byk Assistant chief editor Fons Theis Editorial team John Wright Barbara Jakob Annika Östergren Steffen Schneider Assistant Virginie Benoit Layout Claudia Daman Technical aspect pioneers Quentin Masquelier Cover Frédéric Guyon Pictured here ¡n Luxembourg are some of the first trainees Published by from national statistical institutes and statistics­providing Office for Official Publications of the European agencies in Central Europe sponsored to work at Eurostat Communities This study­placement scheme of up to six months started in Catalogue number January 1996 in the framework of the Phare programme. It CA­AB­97­004­EN­C will extend to up to 30 trainees at a time.Aim is to famil­ © ECSC­EC­EAEC Brussels · Luxembourg 1997 iarise Central European countries' NSIs with the workings of the European statistical system. Printed in Luxembourg Views expressed in Sigma are those of the authors, not roup worked in Eurostats Directorate B, gaining experience in necessarily those of the European Commission KtaaBal statistics, balance of payments and non­financial accounts. Sigma is available free of charge from: FronTleft­to­right: Andrus Alber, Bank of Estonia; Ilona Cserhati, Brian CSO;Youlia Antonova, Bulgarian NSI;and Pal Pozsonyi, Eurostat Press & Communications Team Hungarian CSO. Room B3/079 |ean Monnet Building From left­to­right: Miloslav L­2920 Luxembourg Fax: 352 4301 35349 Chlad, Czech Statistical Office, who worked in E4 on regional accounts; Jordan Totev, Bulgarian NSI, and Anne Herm. Statistical Office of Estonia, who both worked in E4 on demographic data col­ lection; Slavice Cerne, Slovenian Statistical Office, attached to C2 on transport statistics; and Natasa Gorjan also from the Slovenian Statistical Office, who was in A5 (Technical cooperation with Phare and Tacis coun­ tries).

Natasa Gorjan and Andrus Alber describe their experiences on pages 39 & 41.

Sigma 4 m 1997 m. — CONTENTS

SIGMA COMMENT Statistics & EU enlargement by Photis Nanopoulos, Eurostat Director for Phare & Tacis aid

SIGMA THEME The challenge STATISTICS, by European Commissioner Hans van den Broek EU & ENLARGEMENT 5+/ cou/d = 2/ Going Phare - how Eurostat and Central European countries cooperate

Statistical partners for accession 10 by Alberto De Michelis, Eurostat Director for economic statistics & convergence

Paving the way for accession II Focus on macro-economic statistics: Barbara Jakob talks to key Eurostat officials

Agricultural statistics: a moving target 15 Steffen Schneider talked to David Heath of Eurostat

Prague - a springboard to statistics for accession 19 John Wright reports from a key meeting in the Czech capital

Open Czech 26 John Wright visits the Czech National Bank

Cyprus figures on a solution 29 John Wright interviews the head of statistics in Candidate Country Cyprus

Latvia steers steadily west 33 John Wright focuses on statisücs in the Baltic state

Statistics' Hungarian rhapsody 36 by Dr Tamás Katona, HCSO President

Experience not to be missed 39 Two trainees from Central Europe describe their attachment to Eurostat in Luxembourg

FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES Dutch DG grows 'legs'& changes tempo 42 Profile of the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics by John Wright

Census 'revolution' in Italy 50 by Enrico Giovannini of ISTAT

Presenting statistics for a modern Ireland 51 by Charlie Weston, Irish CSO media adviser

FOCUS ON EUROSTAT Statistics driven by integration 53 Fons Theis interviews Yves Franchet

Medstat establishes new ties for statisticians 55 by Luca Ascoli, Eurostat

Sigma4m 1997 I SIGMA COMMENT

tatistics will promote enlargement by Photis Nanopoulos

M 1 nlargement together with ■ 7 Economic and Monetary Ä—«· Union is one of the most important and historic challenges faced by the European Union.Ten Central European countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria) and Cyprus have applied for EU membership.

The sheer number of applicants alone is a test for the EU.

Full enlargement would represent a growth of more than 30% in the Union's population, well over a hundred million new citizens. And Central European countries have emerged from another political sys­ tem, which has had a tremendous impact, among many other things, on their statistical systems.

The Commission in July 1997 gave its Opinion on the membership applications by these countries, which represent the overwhelming majority of the Phare region. It rec­ ommended that accession negotia­ tions should begin with Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic ment, social cohesion, structural of only six of the countries, the and Slovenia. Cyprus had already funds and reinforced pre­accession Commission made clear it would received assurances about negotia­ strategies. Compilation of this continue, as before, to work with tions from the European Council Opinion together with its statistical all candidates.This means that following the positive Opinion from annexes is proof of how the statistical cooperation will contin­ the Commission in 1993. European statistical system can ue independently from the out­ perform: Eurostat was able to come of the December summit, The Commission's Agenda 2000 obtain in time from all candidates which will decide those^countries also contains proposals for the all the data required. to go through to the next round reform of EU policies (eg the of negotiations. As history Common Agricultural Policy), sus­ Though recommending immediate proves, the opening of such nego­ tainable economic growth, employ­ accession negotiations in the case tiations has little connection with

2 Signio 4« 1997 SIGMA COMMENT

their duration or date of final accession. The year 1997 has seen some dra­ In this issue of Sigma... matic changes in cooperation between the EU and Phare coun­ This issue of Sigma is dedicated to statistics and EU enlargement. The context is tries. In March, the Commission well known. Eleven countries have applied for membership: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, adopted a communication on new Romania and Cyprus. The European Commission has recommended opening orientation of the Phare pro­ accession negotiations with the first five. Cyprus received pontive assurances on gramme as a basic accession instru­ accession negotiations from the Council in 1993. ment. In Agenda 2000 the Commission also proposes a new In the following pages we... financing framework and work mechanisms for applicant countries. ■ illustrate how Eurostat and Candidate Countries (CCs) are cooperating Such reinforced strategies will have ■ emphasise the role of statistics in the accession process, and an impact on statistical coopera­ tion, the main items being ■ highlight the statistical efforts of CCs in preparing for EU membership. Accession Partnerships and pursuit of the Europe Agreements process Final decision on countries to be included in the next round of negotiations was whereby Eurostat becomes increas­ due to be taken by the European Council on 13 and 14 December 1997. In these ingly involved. Agenda 2000 also circumstances, we decided not to focus entirely on the five Central European stipulates that candidates should, by countries recommended by the Commission plus Cyprus but also to take a look the time of accession, comply with at the other candidates (including a focus on the Latvian Central Statistical the acquis communautaire. The Bureau; seepage 33). acquis has become substantial and Our aim is simple: we hope to help you learn a little more about the progress of Eurostat will have to make a major statisticians in all CECs and Cyprus towards the goal of EU membership, and effort to help our partners reach what they think about the enlargement process. full compliance.

Preparation for enlargement also Enthusiasm among CCs for accession and, particularly from our point­of­view, means extensive negotiations.The statistical cooperation is manifest Here are some typical comments selected from articles in this issue: statistical system ­ both Eurostat and Candidate Countries ­ has an ■ 'We have been trading with Europe for a long time. Most of our tourism is obligation to support these negoti­ from Europe. Although we belong geographically to Asia, we are culturally ations as well as those in the European with our economy to European standards. I think by joining the EU framework of the Europe we shall have more prosperity and stability — both political and economic — Agreements. as part of a bigger 'nation'." ­ Dr Evros Demetriades, Director of the Department of Statistics and Research, Cyprus. Eurostat has cooperated with the applicant countries more closely ■ "We have always felt part of Europe. I don't want to imagine us outside. I am positive we shall rise to the statistical challenge. " ­ Cecilia Pop, Head of than with any country in its history. National Accounts, National Commission for Statistics, Romania. It has done so on a broad basis since 1989 ­ the earliest possible ■ "I think the majority of Poles are convinced about joining the EU. I think the after the political changes that feeling of being a member will be very important. " ­ Bozena Jakobiak, brought us to this stage. Such National Accounts Director, Central Statistical Office, Poland cooperation has already yielded ■ "Most of our people hope we shall join the EU. One sign of Uus is our com­ extremely good results and we mitment to EU statistical standards. Only statistics can show how much we fit shall continue to streamline it into the EU framework " ­ Jonas Markelevicius, Deputy Director, towards accession needs to be sure Department of Statistics, Lithuania. we are ready in time. It has already been said that statistics will present no obstacle to accession.Today we want to go further and add: Fonsjneis Statistics will promote and help Assistant chief editor the accession process.

Sigma 4m 1997 3 EU ENLARGEMENT

The European Commissioner in charge gives Sigma latest state­of­play1 on the accession process ­ and underlines the importance of statistics.

hallenge of EU enlargement by Hans van den Broek2

Μ Τ nlargement is a central part È 7 of a challenging and ambitious ^ ^ agenda that the EU faces in coming years.

Last July the Commission published its Opinions on the applications from IO countries in central and eastern Europe as part of the Agenda 2000 report These set out the Commission's view of the develop­ ment of the EU and its policies and also proposed a number of reforms. These concern the structural funds and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as the financial frame­ work for EU activities in the early years of next century.

On the financial side, it should be possible to finance enlargement with­ in the existing budget ceiling of 1.27%. It is time to pursue the reform of the CAP begun in 1992. Agenda 2000 proposes a gradual reform aimed at bringing EU prices more in line with world prices. institutions and their functioning need prosperity, further cultural diversity On cohesion, the Commission sug­ to be further strengthened.The and greater weight in world affairs. gests reform of the structural funds Commission has suggested that a to focus assistance on a smaller num­ new IGC be convened as soon as In its July Opinions the Commission ber of priority areas.The prospect of possible after 2000 to provide a thor­ assessed each candidates situation enlargement, with new countries of ough reform of the treaty on institu­ and prospects in relation to the con­ varying levels of development, makes tional issues, including general exten­ ditions for membership set out by it necessary to reduce disparities sion of qualified majority voting and the Copenhagen summit in 1993. throughout the Union. Since future simplification of the legislative These relate to democracy, the rule members need to prepare to partici­ process. of law and protection of minorities, pate in structural policies, the existence of a functioning market Commission is proposing to allocate Eventual accession of 10 new mem­ economy, the country's competitive­ 7 billion ECU for the pre­accession bers from central and eastern Europe period for this purpose. means the EU population could Thvk article was prepared at the end ofOctober. increase by 100 million. Enlargement 1 European Commissioner responsible for externat rela- The Treaty of Amsterdam, signed on 2 is a demanding agenda. But efforts will tiims with countries of Central and Eastern Europe October 1997, opened the way to and those of former Soviet Union. Turkey. Cyprus, be more than recompensed by bene­ Malta and other European countries: common fiireign the enlargement process. But the fits of greater stability, security and and security policy: and external service.

4 S/giwHB (997 EU ENLARGEMENT

ness, and capacity to take on the of assistance as other candidates require a basis of accurate and reli• other obligations of membership. become members and the total able information and figures. In those amount available for pre-accession aid areas where quantitative analysis of Same criteria is shared out among fewer beneficia• the situation is possible and neces• ries. sary, the proper statistical foundation It is essential that the applicants are is vital. capable not only of adopting EU legis• Road map lation but also of implementing and Statistics need to be reliable.Their enforcing the acquis effectively.The impartiality, transparency and dissemi• This package will be worth some 21 challenge of applying EU rules and nation and the confidentiality of infor• becus for the period 2000-2006. In competing in a single market with mation concerning individuals are addition, there will be a tailor-made highly-developed economies should equally importanLThe detailed statis• accession partnership for each appli• not be underestimated. tical annexes of the Opinions, which cant that sets out targets and priority made use of a considerable amount areas for work on the basis of weak• The same criteria were applied to all of data provided by statistical offices nesses identified in the Opinions. It candidates on an objective basis. of candidate countries, testify to the will be like a road map that each can• Analyses revealed clearly some appli• fact that significant work has already didate country follows to prepare for cants more advanced than others in been done.The EU, not least membership. putting into place a market economy, Eurostat, has helped the candidates achieving economic stability and progress in this field. In addition, the Commission will preparing to take on the acquis of the report annually - for the first time in The Opinions were an important EU in the medium-term.The late 1998 - on progress made by milestone. But now we must look to Commission therefore recommended each applicant in adopting the acquis; the future of official statistics in cen• opening negotiations with Hungary, and as soon as a candidate meets the tral and eastern Europe in the per• Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic conditions the Commission will rec• spective of membership. and Slovenia. It is now for the ommend to the Council to open European Council in Luxembourg to negotiations.The Commission has A number of candidate countries decide on opening accession negotia• also proposed that all applicants be already comply to a considerable tions and number of countries to be invited to a European Conference extent with the main principles of involved.The decision to commence that would strengthen the integration the acquis in this field; and with some negotiations with Cyprus has already process by involving all candidates in of its core principles and practices been taken. discussions on issues of common (for example, use of European and interest international classifications, systems In Agenda 2000, the Commission pro• of national accounts and business posed a reinforced pre-accession Accession negotiations are likely to registers). However, even candidates strategy as part of the enlargement be opened in the first part of 1998. most advanced in this area will process.This package of practical The basic principle underlying the require at least a few years to meet measures underlines that all the appli• negotiations is that candidate coun• EU requirements. For example, some cants are on their way to member• tries should take on the full acquis on candidates have not yet introduced a ship. For the Commission, enlarge• accession, without derogations or business register; others are not ment is an inclusive and ongoing opt-outs.The fact that negotiations using internationally-comparable process to help the candidates pre• may open at the same time with six classifications; in still other cases, pare for membership. However, an countries, including Cyprus, does not regional data are weak. extra effort will be made through tar• mean that negotiations will conclude geted support to help the less Despite the problems, the candidates simultaneously.The date of accession advanced countries overcome should, with determined effort, be will depend on the complexity of the remaining problems. able to raise their standards in the negotiations and the time required statistical field sufficiently within a for ratification of the Treaty of To provide effective assistance, the realistic timescale for accession. In Accession. Commission proposes that pre- this, as in other areas relevant to accession aid for all the applicants in accession.Agenda 2000 sets a path central and eastern Europe be dou• Key role of statistics to EU membership for all candidate bled. Countries not yet ready to start countries without discrimination; and negotiations will benefit without dis• The many detailed decisions and the Commission is committed to crimination from this support. Indeed, actions to be taken in the enlarge• working with them to achieve our they will receive increasing amounts ment process in coming years will common goal.

Sigma 4 m 1997 5 EU ENLARGEMENT

Overview of a new enlarged EU A Union made up of 26 Member States' would constitute a Impact of successive enlargements of the EU considerable change, since previ­ (based on Inaease in Increase in Increase in Change in Average per ous enlargements have involved 1995 data) area population total GDP(*) per capita capita GDP three new Member States at most GDP (EUR 6 =100) (in 1973 and 1995). EUR 9/EUR 6 31% 32% 29% ­3% 97

The scale of the changes which EUR I2/EUR9 48% 22% 15% ­6% 91 will be brought about by the next EURI5/EUR Ι2Π 43% 11% 8% ­3% 89 enlargement is illustrated here by EUR26/EUR 15 34% 29% 9% ­ 16% 75 the area and population increases, which will be similar in size to (*) in purchasing power parities those of the previous enlarge­ (**) including German euntfkaúonι ments. But the most important fea­ ture is the reduction in the average regional problems and with weak­ SMEs, although the human per capita GDP for the nesses in their human resource resource instruments (vocational Community as a whole, which is policies, largely as a result of past training, labour market, social sol­ unprecedented and greater alone policies. But the reconstruction of idarity systems) are still deficient. than that resulting from all the a market economy inevitably previous enlargements. brings to light major differences in To date, only one applicant coun­ the growth potential of the try has adopted a law covering regions. The employment trend both regional policy and spatial With an overall per capita GDP and the distribution of foreign planning, although similar laws estimated at 32% of the investment are already showing are being prepared in three other Community average, the 10 that regional disparities are tend­ countries. In the other applicant CEECs lag far behind the four ing to widen. countries, non­binding guidelines least favoured countries of the pre­ have been issued. However, sent EU. which together stand at almost all the applicant countries 74% of the Community average. The need for a structural policy to have spatial planning policies, Major differences separate the be formulated now and applied as which occasionally extend to applicant countries, which range of the next accessions is therefore regional policy. from 18% to 59% of the average justified both by external factors for the EU of 15 ie a ratio of 1 to (reduction of the gap between the Over the next few years, and 3.2 between the two CEECs fur­ CEECs and the Community aver­ before the next accessions, it will thest apart (Latvia and Slovenia)2 age) and by the internal necessity therefore be necessary for policies Current growth rates suggest that of combating increasing dispari­ tailored to the adoption of the these differences will widen, ties within the applicant countries. acquis to be created and imple­ although it is not yet possible to mented in order to prevent dis­ pinpoint a group of countries that The CEECs have been unable to crepancies between national and will consistently grow more rapid­ mobilise sufficient administrative Community instruments. ly than the others. and budgetary resources to combat these disparities either under the Taken from Agenda 2000: As in the case of the EU, the dif­ centralised planning system or at Volume II The effects on the ferences between applicant coun­ the beginning of the economic Union's policies of enlargement transition process. Faced with the tries regarding unemployment are to the applicant countries of rise in unemployment and the real­ wider than for income. The unem­ Central and Eastern Europe. ployment rate in Bulgaria (13.7%) isation of the social and regional is four times higher than that in cost of the economic changes, the Czech Republic (3.4%). they have recently created a num­ Including Cyprus, which is nol covered in this ber of instruments with an explicit study. The applicant countries are also or implicit regional dimension, For EUR 15, the range is 66% to 169% ie a ratio of I lo 2.6. between Greece and faced with a wide range of internal including schemes for assisting Luxembourg.

6 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

How Eurostat and Central European countries are cooperating towards the goal of EU enlargement SIGMA explains the Phare process by which...

could

' n July, Commission President criteria laid down by the Copenhagen Jacques Santer presented Agenda European Council in June 1993: 2000 to the European Parliament / ■ the applicant country must have An important part of this document, achieved stability of institutions which is vital for EU policy in general guaranteeing democracy, the rule and enlargement in particular, is the of law, human rights and respect Commission's Opinion on the request for and protection of minorities by 10 Central European countries (CECs) for EU membership. ■ it must have a functioning market economy, as well as the capacity to Several Eurostat units contributed to cope with competitive pressure this view by providing the statistical and market forces within the EU annex.This contained key data for ■ it must have the ability to take on each country and a chapter on the the obligations of membership, state of its statistics. including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary On the basis of comprehensive evalu­ union. ation of the extent to which applicant countries met the necessary criteria, The Commission considered the five the Commission recommended in a position to satisfy all the condi­ opening talks on membership with tions of membership in the medium five Central European countries: the term if they maintained their prepara­ Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, tory efforts (Opinion on Cyprus was It was created initially in 1989 to sup­ Poland and Slovenia plus Cyprus for delivered in 1993). Conclusion of port the reforms in Poland and which it reaffirmed its favourable accession negotiations will depend Hungary.With change spreading Opinion of 1993. Contact will contin­ largely on accomplishing the further across central and eastern Europe, it ue with the other applicants. efforts required by each. soon became the EU's general aid In establishing its Opinion on the This is where the Phare programme programme to countries in transition applications, the Commission used comes into play. and is now the main instrument sup­ porting the pre­accession strategy. Covered by Phare at present are: Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia,Albania, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Statistics are one of the areas subject to Phare funding. Focus of investment so far, through a multi­country pro­ gramme totalling over 26 million ECU, has been on equipping national statistical offices (NSIs) with the methodological tools to meet the challenge of political and economic

Sigma 4 m 1997 7 EU ENLARGEMENT

Success in statistical assistance projects

initial current conditions conditions NOTES

Macro-economic statistics

National accounts • • SHA methodology adopted, data quality questionable

Monetary and financial statistics • • Some methodology transferred

Balance of payments • • Hot really addressed

Price indices • • Excellent progress in quality and methodology of CPI and PPI

Classifications • • International classifications adopted

Agricultural statistics • • Some countries have been assisted with rneir census (Poland, Baltic states)

Foreign trade Quality of data from customs, mirror statistia remains to be solved • •

Migration • • UH, Eurostat methodology adopted; data quality shaky

Electronic data processing • • Great progress in infrastructure and methods

Business statistics • • Good understanding of survey techniques; lacking money for surveys

Business registers • • Understanding is aere; lad of administrative arrangements

Regional statistics Ho regional breakdowns available; they know what to do but cannot do it é • Social statistics

Health • • Hew methodology adopted; poorer data sources now

Demography Understanding of census is there but no money and lots of instability • •

Employmentiunemployment • • Good implementation of labour force surveys

Labour costs • • Methodology not yet fully understood

Environmental statistics • • Some initial work has been done wie CECs The table gives an overview of teh progress made in statistical fields of Phare countries. The starting point and the cur- rent state are assessed on a scalefrom / to 5 (f = poor data quality and methodology; S = fully compatible with EU standards). reform, as well as to meet interna­ needed in preparation for accession. accession negotiations for the 10 tional ­ and particularly European ­ Achievements in several areas have Candidate Countries statistical standards and norms. been particularly significant providing a statistical infrastructure to support macro­economic policy ■ compilation and dissemination of Past success development macro­economic statistics All 11 countries that originally bene­ putting in place the legal frame­ ■ adoption of a harmonized interna­ fited from Phare can now produce work to guarantee independence tional system of classifications data in the 16 'domains' and 61 spe­ and confidentiality of statistical cific fields identified by Eurostat as ■ providing a statistical basis for information.

8 Sigma4u 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

These successes would not have been New needs... Yet many countries are still unable to so dramatic — and perhaps not possi­ produce statistics of the quality they ble — without two factors. First is the For statistics in the pre­accession would like because of the inadequa­ hard work and dedication of those process the objectives are to provide cies of some of their raw data. So the involved, both those receiving support data to support negotiations and to new programme will look beyond the and those giving it Second is comple­ ensure that at the time of accession, simple transfer of know­how towards mentary Phare investment in the infra­ countries can meet the statistical developing projects that identify key obligations of EU membership (the structure of NSIs, particularly in com­ difficulties and overcome them. puter equipment Such projects ­ acquis communautaire in statistics).The developed within so­called national Statistical Cooperation Programme ...and new methods Phare programmes and about twice as aims to help countries meet these large in total money terms as the objectives ­ but not for perfection in Methods used so successfully in previ­ Multi­country Programme ­ have been all fields. ous statistical programmes will remain: targeted specifically within each coun­ study tours and visits, consultancy, Past achievement has created the try. As a result... training courses and participation in basis for progress. Statistical method­ Training of European Statisticians' pro­ ologies relevant to market economies ■ the infrastructure by which statis­ jects; involvement in seminars, interna­ are becoming fully understood. tics are communicated has been tional meetings and working groups; Transfer of detailed know­how has improved support for regional surveys and initia­ largely taken place. ■ an international information tech­ tives in the form of pilot projects... nology platform with common In addition there are some innovative internal architecture, hardware and EU STATISTICAL approaches.Trainees from NSIs in software was established COOPERATION WITH PHARE Central Europe are sponsored to COUNTRIES ■ training that created the skills base work in Eurostat in relevant areas on necessary for the operation of 1997­2000 overall objectives study placements of up to six months informatics systems was provided. (see articles on pages 39 & 4/j.This to prepare partner countries' scheme will be extended to up to 30 statistical systems for accession Looking ahead trainees at any one time. to strengthen their statistical Should they wish, resources will be A new Statistical Cooperation systems available for NSIs to employ experts Programme has received the support to assist their relations with to advise on strategic and efficiency of Member States. It has an indicative users ¡mprovements.A task force will be budget of 34 million ECU over the to build sustainable statistical three years from 1997 and 12 million systems. established to develop solutions to ECU for the first year. the sometimes difficult problem of Sectoral coverage implementing statistical legislation. With this programme, expected oper­ accession­driven focal areas for Marketing and dissemination will be ational in 1998, will come a major all partner countries: macro­ improved further through joint initia­ change of approach. From an essen­ economics, foreign trade, agri­ tives with Eurostat including the tially demand­driven strategy, led by culture and migration strengthening of Eurostats data col­ the needs and priorities of the NSIs two additional national priority lection activities. of Phare partners, the objectives and areas, demand­driven. activities will be driven now by the And the statistical acquis ­ the gentle­ statistical needs of the pre­accession Main cooperation components men's agreements, directives and legis­ process. _ technical assistance: study vis­ lation that make up the European sta­ tistical system ­ will be monitored This reflects wider changes the Phare its, consultancies, working groups, seminars and training closely so Candidate Countries can programme is going through. But courses identify the work needed to meet the national needs and priorities will not requirements. be ignored.The programme will retain _ pilot surveys: collection of har­ monized data in priority sec­ a good deal of flexibility, particularly NSIs of most countries involved are tors important for the three Phare part­ already at a high level of development trainees: up to 30 at Eurostat ners countries ­Albania, FYROM and Full implementation of comprehensive from CECs covering all areas Bosnia Herzegovina ­ that have not and consistent statistical systems may data collection and publication: applied for EU membership.And in be a long­term task. But in most areas exchange of information with many cases NSIs are under pressure very positive and concrete results the EU and development of from their own governments to pro­ have already been achieved. Phare publications with key data. vide data to support EU candidacy. ensures further progress.

Sigma 4m 1997 9 EU ENLARGEMENT

tatistical partners for accession

η the last accounts and general government two years, accounts. Ispecifi c and | comprehensive Our partners in this work are programmes have NSIs, central banks and finance been introduced ministries.The last play an impor­ for applicant tant part in calculating the gov­ countries with ernment deficits aggregate.This the help of has to be compiled in line with experts from the strict harmonized rules of the NSIs and ESA 95 (1995 version of the central banks of European system of economic Member States. accounts). Eurostat Directorate Β These comprise various stages, (Economie statistics and checked as work progresses A pilot exercise — similar to one economic and monetary in Member States as part of the convergence) is responsi­Unfortunately, funding problems excessive deficits procedure - is now under way with applicant ble for statistics on nation­ with the Phare programme have meant we are running behind countries.This work means that al accounts (financial and schedule on important stages of by 2000 or even earlier we non-financial, quarterly some programmes - such as har­ should have reliable data compa­ and environmental monization of price indices. We rable to those in the EU. accounts); prices (price need to make up for lost time. indices and purchasing As for purchasing power parities, power parities); balance of The work programme on national all countries in line for member­ accounts (see following article) is ship have joined the Group I payments; international drafted and implemented in close programme involving Member trade in services; direct liaison with the OECD Statistical States. First results using the new investment; and money Bureau, which has made every method will probably be available and finance. Not surpris­ effort to support transition coun­ towards end of 1997. ingly, it has a special role tries in this area of activity. in helping applicant coun­ Trickier tries become involved in My unit B4 (Accounts and finan­ cial indicators, statistics for the The programme to harmonize EU statistical work. excessive deficits procedure) has consumer price indices is trickier, Director ALBERTO DE devised a detailed programme since it involves radical changes MICHEUS explains... with a twin focus: financial in how indices are compiled and

10 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

prices recorded. Eurostat Sigma's BARBARA JAKOB met MARCO DE MARCH and believes most applicant countries SILKE STAPEL of Eurostat to ask about the present position will not be able to produce har• monized and reliable data before of macro-economic statistics in Candidate Countries (CCs) 2000. Unit B3 (Price compar• and what Eurostat is doing to assess and, if necessary, isons, correction coefficients) is improve them. monitoring this.

On statistics on balance of pay• ments and direct investment flows, unit B5 (International trade in services, direct invest• ments, balance of payments) has aving the way achieved significant progress. All the countries have promised to adopt the Eurostat vademecum, for accession used as a reference by Member States.

Central banks of applicant coun• tries are now able to compile their balance of payments using Community methods based on the IMF's fifth manual, although they have not yet managed Member States' level of detail. For statistics on foreign direct investment, a programme will be introduced in 1998 with first results available from 1999.

Eurostat regularly organises meetings and seminars with applicant countries to discuss "acro-economic vari• help the countries improve their progress in each area and con• ables, particularly GDP, accounting systems. sider the next stages. And statis• "Mire importan t indicators ticians from these countries among the many components that "The reason so much attention is attend working parties of EU play a role in the enlargement focused on national accounts, particu• larly GDP, is because these figures statisticians as observers to process", begins Marco De March, head of Eurostat unit B2 (National form the basis for framing and imple• become familiar with Community accounts and international markets: menting Community policies", explains methods and procedures and production and analyses), responsible Silke Stapel. "GDP, for example, is absorb its rules. for the work with the Candidate important for calculating Member Countries. States' contributions to the EU budget The annual meeting of the and for distributing structural fund Executive Body of the He says socio-political factors play an resources. We must therefore provide Committee on Monetary, equally big role, and reliable statistics decision-makers with the means of Financial and Balance of are needed as a basis for decision• assessing both the current economic Payments Statistics offers an making in many areas. National situation of the countries concerned opportunity to join with appli• accounts constitute just one area - and the impact of EU enlargement cant countries in reviewing but a very important one - in which This obviously raises the question progress and discussing priorities there is a frenzy of activity to obtain whether available macro-economic for the next few years (see article statistical data from Candidate data are comprehensive enough and on page 19). Countries, assess their quality and of a sufficiently high quality."

Sigma 4m 1997 II EU ENLARGEMENT

"Without reliable fig­ mend how to reme­ ures, decisions simply dy the main short­ cannot be taken", says comings. The finishing Marco De March. touches must wait" "At the beginning of our work in 1996, we Within unit B2 Silke had to obtain whatev­ Stapel is in charge er data we could as of this work togeth­ GDP data for these er with Ralph Hein countries were missing and Richard Clare in many cases. A work of Eurostat unit ΒI programme was start­ (National accounts ed to collect initial methodology). She data, assess the nation­ says of the 1996/97 al accounts of the work programme: countries concerned, "No changes have and identify shortcom­ yet been incorporat­ ings - helping them to ed into the data. We improve their account­ have simply collected ing systems via a wide information and range of initiatives. made recommenda­ Obviously, only the tions. On the basis of countries themselves the information pro­ can make the actual vided by CCs, we improvements." have made initial analyses and given Finishing the Commission an touches must idea of the most wait serious departures from Community methods and defini­ National accounts sys­ tions. Data quality tems in individual CCs certainly does not are at very different meet expectations in stages of development "Our priori the level and growth rate of GDP", all the countries. ty is to tackle those problems first stresses De March. "Meeting the which have the greatest impact on quality requirements of the EU is a "During missions we try to form a thing of the future. It's a process picture of what is happening in the still continuing in the Member national accounts - establish where States themselves.The ESA first problems lie. We have concentrated appeared in 1970, so we've had on the most obvious problems - harmonized Community methodol­ those common to all CCs - asking ogy for almost 30 years. Even so, ourselves:'What distorts GDP data are not yet fully compatible most and what has the greatest and we still have work to do. impact on the growth rate?' After all, such figures are those mostly in "So we have started initiatives with the public eye and the ones the the CCs to collect data in the Commission particularly examines. short term, to undertake initial assessment of their national "In an initial round of changes in accounts systems, and to recom- April 1998 by these countries, improvements to the data should Richard Clare who deals with be incorporated into their account­ implementation of national ing systems. In addition to the pro­ accounts methodology in vision of raw data. Eurostat also Candidate Countries undertakes assessments.This pro-

12 Sigino 4B 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

vides the statistical background and units. And we can no longer work Must be consistent the findings for each country; it with exhaustive censuses — instead, "So far, activities have concentrated also guides users on how to inter­ we must use sample surveys and pret the figures and highlights those grossing-up methods. People must on the completeness of calcula­ areas - GDP, components for get used to the fact that not every­ tions, the government sector, the example - likely to be over- or one completes statistical question­ expenditure side of GDP, constant underestimated." naires any more - even if required prices, and the banking and insur­ by law." ance sector. Helping themselves "For the government sector, we She adds: "So we must concen­ had to clarify how to treat certain Marco De March sums up the trate on setting up bigger regis­ privatisation and market-organisa­ results of last year's work: "From a ters, ensuring they are kept up-to- tion bodies and special funds and methodological point-of-view, the date and, more generally, think units - some of which exist only in situation is not bad; people general­ about the completeness of calcu­ transition countries - and establish ly are familiar with the ESA.The lations." if all income and expenditure flows problems occur with the imple­ were actually recorded. mentation of the ESA, the organisa­ This brings us to tion of statistics, communication the second prob­ between the bodies involved.The lem area that transition from a planned to a mar­ Eurostat experts ket economy is still causing statisti­ have identified cians problems." among CCs - the completeness "In terms of theory, there are fewer of the national problems", agrees Silke Stapel. accounts ie "Candidate countries are very whether every­ familiar with much of the new ESA thing in the 95. Some of them introduced it economy is earlier than many Member States. recorded. What we need now is to sit down Says Silke together and go through the calcu­ Stapel. "There lations, discuss problems and work are particular out practical solutions.This is being done in task forces, which also problems with include experts from the Member recording the States. We want to help people many small units help themselves. We don't want a that are appear­ one-way set-up in which we pro­ ing; for example, vide countries with ready-made individual shop- solutions. owners account for a large pro­ "The transition to a market econo­ portion of retail my still poses a problem, as does outlets and can the adaptation of statistical systems make a consider­ to market mechanisms. In some able contribution Silke Stapel: "Progress in these countries will depend countries where privatisation is to GDP. largely on resources available for statistics" well under way, sound solutions have already been found; but in "It must also be remembered that "We have also concentrated a great others much of this process is still in the transition countries the black deal on the expenditure side of to come. economy plays a major role. We GDRTypically, many countries must think about ways of recording believe the production side is more "A major headache is privatisation this and incorporating it into our reliable and often dispense with of former large state concerns into calculations.The ESA does not ask calculating a really independent many smaller units.This creates the if something is legal or illegal - it is expenditure side. We wanted to need to adjust the statistical system an economic activity that must be encourage a move in this direction. to cover many more reporting recorded. We are also trying to get the mes-

Sjgn^ Β 1997 13 EU ENLARGEMENT

But improve• - certain statistics no longer exist ments proposed or do not yet exist. This is because by task forces in the break with the past also led to conjunction with the disappearance of statistics that the countries should really have been retained concerned are until new systems started delivering only recommen• usable results. dations. "Each country must "We've also noticed that basic establish its own national accounts data are often priorities and assumed to be correct and not implement them called into question. So far there as it sees fit", is no real sign of a healthy scepti• says Marco De cism about what other people March. supply. One factor is that statisti• cal offices are increasingly having No to play a new role as coordinators healthy within the statistical system, col• scepticism laborating more closely with other state bodies that supply data. Another impor• tant area - and She sums up as follows: "Obviously, one that goes progress in these countries will beyond national depend largely on resources avail• accounts - is able for statistics. And things don't basic data. "To look too good in some areas - for compile basic example, staffing and equipment. statistics, you Ralph Hein is responsible for assessing Candidate need resources - "Everyone in the Candidate Countries' national accounts systems and giving advice on resources you Countries wants sound, improved how to remedy the main shortcomings must plan care• statistics. However, making financial fully. This is long resources available for them and sage across that the national term - beyond current initial enabling the system to produce- accounts is an all-inclusive system improvements", explains Marco better data is another thing.The EU that must be internally consistent. De March. is making considerable resources available under the Phare pro• "Since the growth rate is also an Silke Stapel outlines the difficul• gramme. But this can only set the important variable for assessing ties: "One thing is lack of basic data ball rolling. It is just a start" economic development - and since its validity is seriously affect• ed when inflation is running at 50 or 60% or more - we have also taken a closer look at estimation methods at constant prices."

Technical assistance has also been given for the banking and insur• ance sector.This, Silke Stapel explains, "is needed now more than ever, as most of these coun• tries are compiling banking and insurance statistics for the first time. It was important to set the right course at the very begin• ning".

14 Sigmo4B 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

DAVID HEATH has worked at Eurostat on agricultural statistics since 1988. As head of Directorate F, responsible for this area, he sees three main challenges: keeping the present statistical system on course and up-to-date for current Member States and improving efficiency; trying to see where agri­ cultural statistics should be in 10 years' time; and preparing for enlargement On this last topic his main concern is what he calls 'thematic coordination'of all those involved. In this article, Sigma's STEFFEN SCHNEIDER records Mr Heath's view of the future...

gricultural statistics:

On 16 July the European The first general programmes of UNECE, FAO and Eurostat, organ­ Commission presented cooperation included agriculture in ised seminars on agricultural statis­ Agenda 2000 with its view on only a minor way. But today its tics in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995 for Phare and Tacis countries. each of the new applications importance and that of agricultural statistics are recognised by all rele­ for EU membership. Was this vant services of the Commission, The MERA project of Phare-funded the birth of cooperation in including Eurostat JRC (Joint Research Centre) monitor­ the field of agricultural sta­ ing of agriculture and the environ­ tistics between the EU and Many studies have been carried out ment by remote sensing is another Candidate Countries (CCs)? by or for the Commission's DGVI example of supporting statistical and DGII on the links between the activities in CECs.Agricultural statis­ T ot at all. Cooperation Common Agricultural Policy and tics have also profited from several between the EC and enlargement.The inter-secretariat other Phare-funded projects, support­ ^ Central European countries working group for agricultural sta­ ing administration and computing or (CECs) was already under way at tistics (IWG-Agri), which coordi­ information systems in CEC agricul­ the beginning of the nineties. nates the efforts of OECD, tural ministries.

Sigma 4 Β 1997 15 EU ENLARGEMENT

How did it begin? administration of the Common Agricultural The first initiative was to try to Policy, which still utilises ensure CC agricultural data nearly 50% of the total EC were included in Eurostat's budget general database covering all Statistical requirements thematic areas of statistics.The can be structured in four first information consisted of main groups: only a few indicators for overall comparison between economic sectors and did not aim at suffi­ ■ all legal instruments for cient detail for analysing the agricultural statistics agricultural sector. ■ methodologies defining work to be done The second development was ■ reports from Member the creation of a special data States on their own set in DGVI for urgent first statistical methodolo­ appraisals of agriculture in the gies and studies of such accession countries.These non­ reports by experts harmonized data were com­ piled from international data­ ■ documentation of the bases or expert reports. coding structures of databases used for First contacts were through Mr Heath in action storing agricultural the small agricultural parts of statistics at Eurostat agriculture there are greater diffi­ general statistical cooperation pro­ culties. Market prices may not grammes established by the Eurostat exist Candidate Countries are not so unit responsible for work with transi­ advanced. But there are big differ­ tion economies in Europe and the In general, EU requirements are ences between countries. former Soviet Union.This covered much wider than those of CCs and Closeness to EU standards capacity building, training etc but only the methodological approach may depends on the country's political incidentally the supply of information. differ. Farm structure surveys (FSS) approach in view of accession and More recently there has been direct are an example.The move away the economic situation before involvement of Eurostat's agricultural from collectivised agriculture démocratisation. statistics units (FI and F2) with the makes FSS particularly relevant but aim of a direct regular and integrated also hard to execute. This has been Eurostat's aim is to provide infor­ data flow to Eurostat from Candidate discussed intensively at IWG­Agri mation for external users in line Countries' NSIs and ministries of seminars with a few countries car­ with the same rules that apply in agriculture rying out pilot surveys. Member States.This requires dis­ cussion with CCs to agree when This initiative started in 1995/96 The aim is that all CCs should con­ the data they deliver can be consid­ with priority to current production duct end­of­decade FSS as recom­ ered ready for wide dissemination. data. But, apart from data on land mended by the FAO and in line For that total quality is vital. use and crop production, returns with the EU model.This will allow were somewhat incomplete.We comparability with the EU and pro­ Eurostat units Fl and F2 have to expect livestock data to be the vide a basis for sample surveys in establish a system for checking data next best This is because the con­ following years. available from CCs in a thorough cepts are relatively simple and easy and systematic way. We have not yet a to measure.There is not too much What are EU clear idea of the quality of their data. risk of confusion about what con­ As soon as sufficient are available, we stitutes a hectare of wheat or a requirements? shall check the quality of individual dairy cow. Agricultural statistics are among series or group of series and use the the best­developed statistics in the SPEL model to judge overall consis­ For other areas such as prices and EU. They are needed as an informa­ tency; we shall then identify areas aggregate economic accounts of tion source for development and needing follow­up.

16 Sigma 4 m /997 EU ENLARGEMENT

CAP & accession: Also, the way each EU Member ments were reviewed by Eurostat, take it or leave it! State produces its agricultural sta­ DGVI and Member States' agricul­ tistics varies widely ­ in particular tural statisticians.The aim: a more the respective roles of NSIs and effective system. For example, the If our present system were applied agriculture ministries. Enlargement revised Council Milk Statistics to Candidate Countries neither of would add to this variability and to Directive 96/16 cancelled the oblig­ us would profit. For this and other the diversity of agriculture mea­ ation to collect weekly milk statis­ reasons the CAP cannot remain sured.This increased diversity itself tics from dairies. exactly as it is.This has short­ and requires changes in the way a long­term consequences for agri­ Community structure of agricultur­ cultural statistics. We have introduced what we call al statistics is defined. theAgriflex principle.This states Our agricultural statistical system that not all Member States have to has been and is under constant So, we are reflecting on a system comply with a given requirement in development to respond to for use in 10 years' time: the sys­ the same way. Where certain agri­ changes in the way the CAP is at tem that will apply to an EU cultural production is not impor­ present implemented. In the longer enlarged by a substantial number of tant to a country, the standard term, a CAP adapted to take CECs. Current work on these ideas information requirement is reduced account of such factors as the should provide the basis for pro­ or removed.The 1993 revised World Trade Organisation and gressive evolution of EU agricultur­ Council Directives on animal statis­ GATT agreements, future trade al statistics over the coming tics include numerous examples. policies, enlargement, environmen­ decade. CCs will be involved in this tal implications of agriculture, rural debate. In addition, for a number of Another potential economy is use development plans and regional reasons, there have been some of administrative data.The possibili­ policy will require significant important changes in recent years. ty that under certain conditions changes to the EU system of agri­ Member States may replace some cultural statistics. Statistical and Prompted by a need for economies data from traditional statistical sur­ technical developments will also and a better focus on resources veys with administrative data is offi­ have to be taken into account. available, existing statistical require­ cially provided for in Council Regulation 959/93 on statistical information to be supplied by Member States on crop products other than cereals, and in Council Regulation 2467/96 on Community surveys of the structure of agricul­ tural holdings.

Independently from these improve­ ments, the following general needs must be stressed:

■ timeliness of statistical informa­ tion at EU level

■ reliability of the data, and

■ harmonization of definitions and outputs at EU level.

A cost­effective system of agricul­ tural statistics has to be considered as an integrated whole. It is more than a set of individual measures to meet separate EC requirements. It is a structure that takes advantage of existing administrative systems and resources to meet national, EU and wider requirements. It has to allow

Sigma4m 1997 17 EU ENLARGEMENT

countries scope to work efficiently tries concerned to form an in a specific CC ­ in particular while still producing adequately com­ overview. those directly responsible for agri­ parable data at EU+ level. cultural statistics in the CC itself. My idea is for something I call The aim would be to develop a Why should CCs 'thematic coordination' to com­ programme to meet EU and adapt? plement the general coordination national needs and then to identi­ of CC data within Eurostat by fy the best people to cooperate bringing together all those con­ with the CC concerned, action by It is useful for CCs to develop their cerned with agricultural statistics action. agricultural statistics to meet cur­ rent EU requirements because... C A ■ such requirements are at least a starting point for tomorrow's How realistic are current efforts for substantial reform of EU agricultur­ needs al policy?

■ they are a comprehensive set Here I speak as an interested observer rather than one close to those deter­ that fits into a world system mining the policy. But from what I see and read several factors converge.

■ data for accession negotiations These can be combined with the five traditional and still valid CAP aims from will be based on the EU system Article 39 of the Treaty

■ Candidate Countries will be ■ increased efficiency expected to accept the acquis communautaire. ■ fair prices for consumers ■ stable markets Eurostat is not the only body con­ ■ security of supply, and cerned with agricultural statistics and accession.There are other ■ fair incomes for agricultural workers. Directorates of the Commission, This makes me relatively optimistic about reaching agreement on reform. The Member States, other international main factors push in the same direction. They are: organisations and non­EU coun­ tries. How important is coordina­ ■ likely budgetary costs of agricultural surpluses if no corrective action is tion? taken ■ pressure to reduce production subsidies in agriculture and particularly sub­ In the work of Eurostat's agricul­ sidised exports now agriculture is included in GATT ture units there are three main considerations: ■ hostility to the environmentally harmful consequences of intensive agricul­ ture ■ to make data comparable, with a ■ agriculture's important contribution to the survival of the rural world and to regular and comparable flow regional policy available to the Commission and Candidate Countries ■ the consequences of enlargement. Apparent conflict recently between the interests of a flourishing agricultural ■ to help CCs improve their infra­ sector and its consequences can perhaps be resolved by emphasising the rela­ structure, and tionship between agriculture, the environment and rural policy. One could ■ to promote statistical coopera­ imagine a CAP with prices nearer world levels, with environmental advan­ tion. tages from extensification and trade advantages from unsubsidised exports. This CAP would cover more than specific agricultural production issues. Where CCs are unable to deliver Farmers would receive payments for services benefiting the environment and data approximating to EU standards under schemes related to rural and regional aspects. Such an enlarged and action is needed to improve their adapted CAP would have (afferent requirements for statistical support so the infrastructure. In general, this will current system of Community agricultural statistics would require adaptation. involve statistical cooperation. A current weakness is the multiplicity We are currently examining how far future needs can be identified ­ what of people involved, making it impos­ might be an efficient evolutionary path for (immunity agricultural statistics sible for bodies outside the coun­ to follow in order to help all concerned, not least Candidate Countries.

18 Sigino 4 Β /997 EU ENLARGEMENT

Chairman of the EU's Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics (CMFB) since spring 1997 has been JOHN KIDGELL, Director of Macro-Economic Statistics at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). As the third meeting between the CMFB executive body and Candidate Countries (CCs) got under way, he spoke to Sigma's JOHN WRIGHT about the aim of such gatherings.The meeting was attended by senior representatives of the national statistical offices and central banks of the 11 CCs. It was hosted by the Czech National Bank and the Czech Statistical Office. rague - a springboard to statistics for accession Τ It That· 'ask iohn Kidze"· M/m/does he see as the single f Ψ most important aspect of the Prague-type meetings?

He puts it this way: "Very simple: in those key areas of macro-economic statistics of particular interest to NSIs and central bankers, coopera­ tion between these two sets of institutions and, at supra-national level, with CMFB is what makes things happen. If we can emphasise to Candidate Countries the impor­ tance of such coordination, this will be a great step forward.

"Having said that, I am very con­ scious that many CCs do have in place very effective coordination procedures in their countries. Prague is yet another opportunity for cooperation for all of us." ... (54) is an eminent UK national accountant and the first non-central bank Chairman of CMFB. As such, his appointment is regarded as very impor­ How did such meetings come about? tant for the national statistical institutes. He is also a founder member of "About two-and-a-half years ago the IMF Balance of Payments Statistical Committee. CMFB felt it would be useful to demonstrate to Candidate Mr Kidgell is an economics graduate of Scotland's St Andrew's Countries the advantages and University and has a master's degree in statistics from the London School working methods of our particular of Economics. His first job was in economic forecasting with the National part of the institutional structure. Institute of Economic and Social Research in London. He later did sta­ Sife offered them meetings in July tistical work for Gallup Poll. In 1972 he joined the UK Government 1995 and 1996, both in Vienna, and Statistical Service and has served in the Treasury, the Department of the Prague is the third. Environment and the Property Services Agency as well as the Central "The aim is to show the impor­ Statistical Office, now the Office for National Statistics, of which he is tance of coordination and coopera- one of the most senior members of staff.

Sigma 4m 1997 19 EU ENLARGEMENT

issues that Eurostat would like to raise with these countries and their institutions but I hope CMFB mem• bers will contribute." They did with considerable enthusiasm!

'Our figures count'

He goes on: "The second part is CMFB business where we shall talk about two big issues. One is recent developments and future work.The other is cooperation between insti• tutions involved in the compilation of macro-economic statistics.

"We want to talk a lot about the way we see the world changing within the EU itself, and our vision and strategy for meeting these changes from a statistical point-of- view. Topics cover the activities of Edvard Out rata, President, Czech Statistical Office (left) and Albertothe EMI, including development of De Michelis, Eurostat Director responsible for economic statistics money and banking statistics; and economic and monetary convergence. progress on balance of payments statistics - an area of significant Mr Outrata told Prague delegates: "Statistics, I think, in many waysinteres t to both sets of institutions, were the first and most profound area in which international cooper•NSIs and NCBs; the new harmo• nized price index constructed in ation between the EU and transition countries went so smoothly. By Europe; and last but not least the and large, I notice we statisticians always manage to get together and Excessive Deficit Procedure, which do things effectively and efficiently more easily than in other areas. "is one of the convergence criteria for membership of monetary And Mr De Michelis added: "We are now facing a new and importantunion.Th e last is an issue we statis• challenge: the progressive integration of Central European countriestician s have been very, very closely into the EU. I think the statistical community can show the way to involved in because it's our figures other institutions because our dialogue - the creation of a common that measure vyhether these crite• statistical language - has been going on for many years and will growri a are met even stronger. " "Another key topic is very much tion between various institutions guides the processes of CMFB. It's the institutional framework and involved in economic statistics - becoming a regular part of CMFB's links between NSIs and NCBs and particularly those relating to the annual cycle." between the national and interna• financial and banking world and tional institutions - Eurostat in par• monetary policy.These are the Why Prague? ticular but the Commission more national central banks (NCBs), widely, and the EMI. And the legal NSIs, Eurostat and the "Vienna is a sort-of crossroads and framework for statistics that ties us Commission, the EMI and, of was a convenient meeting point for all together in various ways. course, in future the ECB. most CCs and EU members, as is Prague, with the added advantage "An issue I personally find of "The meeting is not with CMFB as of being in one of the CCs them• increasing interest and concern to a whole.That would be a bit selves. us all is the role of macro-econom• unwieldy. It is a meeting of CCs ic statistics in legislation. For exam• with the CMFB executive body, a "We are running the meeting in ple, GDP determines about a quar• small group of 10 people that two parts.The first is very largely ter of the contributions to the

20 Sigi»io4B /997 EU EN LAR GEMENT

European budget. Another example between central banks and NSIs on tistics. We all share a similar range is the Maastricht criteria them• the statistical front in these areas of problems in measuring them." selves and, more recently, the use of common interest - with an of real GDP growth as a determi• understanding that when they join Has he learned anything from the nant in the Growth and Stability the EU they will be able to fit well CCs? Pact. into the CMFB format and sit side- by-side with us as representatives "Oh, yes. I think any statistical insti• "Many of these macro-economic of their countries." tution, whether central bank or statistics are needed by both sides. government, that said it couldn't It would be extremely inefficient if Much of common learn from other institutions would be fooling itself.We all learn from central banks and NSIs were each interest to go their own way in producing each other." their own sets of statistics.There's / ask what is the talk in the margins such an overlap of interest that we And after Prague? of these meetings and on social occa• really want to move towards a sin• sions? gle dataset we can both use - and "Increasingly, Eurostat committees this is now widely accepted in the are being opened up to CCs - for EU. Kidgell: "I think there clearly has example, they will soon be able to been an interest in CMFB itself and attend the financial accounts work• its genesis and the role it has "I know that, in the EU, CMFB has ing party. And that's an encouraging played. But also when we meet like contributed greatly over the last six development. this, it is an opportunity to talk or seven years to ensuring that sin• about a whole raft of issues of gle datasets emerge. We have dis• "We've discussed on many occa• common interest. I think that over cussed the issues and thrashed sions in CMFB whether we should coffee I would be just as likely to them out. I am not aware in great open our meetings to CCs.There detail of the degree of cooperation discuss with one of my CC col• is a general desire to do so but a between NSIs and NCBs in CCs, leagues the difficulties of measuring recognition that with such enor• but I suspect there's as much vari• GDP or the consumer price index mous numbers of people - at least ability there between countries as as I would the activities of CMFB. two representatives from each there was in the EU. If we in CMFB We are all responsible for a com• country plus all the observers, IMF, could help to increase that cooper• mon range of macro-economic sta• OECD,the Commission,the EMI... ation that to me would be success.

"I think there is a growing aware• ness of such issues in the CCs. I think the link with CMFB has helped.There is quite a lot of enthusiasm for the concept of CMFB among EU members, and I would be surprised if that hadn't been observed by CCs; although that's not to say they don't have that enthusiasm themselves."

What about a CMFB for CCs?

"Maybe an unlikely event now, but I think in the early days we won• dered whether this might be one outcome. I haven't observed any signs of that happening.

"I think what is more important is to ensure there is this good coop• eration at the national level

Sigma 4m 1997 21 EU ENLARGEMENT

What is CMFB?

Over seven years ago the EC Council was asked, on Eurostat's initiative, to create CMFB. Aim was to enhance cooperation between NSI and central bank statisticians with a view to imple­ menting statistical instruments for the conception, follow­up and evaluation of economic and mon­ etary union.

Step by step CMFB has managed to find its place within the official statistical world. Today it is a B^BBBBBBVUJk ■ <.*J«BBBBBBBBBl central mechanism for coopera­ ­ it would become such a formalised "I am very optimistic about future tion between Eurostat and the meeting that we don't think this is cooperation with the Candidate EMI on one side and central the way forward. Countries. We have a busy work pro­ banks on the other. gramme in the EU as we approach monetary union in January 1999 but "For the time being we think Eurostat remains at the centre of equally the CCs have a busy pro­ the Prague­type meetings are useful. the mechanism. Jointly with EMI, gramme as they prepare for entry But this is an issue I would like to into the EU and, in the fullness of it handles the secretariat and sub­ address with the CCs themselves to time, into monetary union as well. mits papers dealing with statisti­ see what their desires are about the cal policy as well as technicali­ way forward. "In any way that we can support that ties. Says Kidgell: "Being process, we in CMFB are willing to Chairman, one does not get a "It would be foolish to impose our help. And, of course, Eurostat is play­ great deal of support from within ing a very important and helpful role thoughts on them." one's own country so we rely very in all of this. Without Eurostat things much on Eurostat to sort out the Kidgell, who will be CMFB Chairman would not happen in such an efficient administrative arrangements. " for two years, ends this way: way."

At the Prague meeting JOHN WRIGHT took the opportunity to sound out some of the delegates on their views on the challenges of accession ­ for their countries in general and official statistics in particular... 'Always Europeans' CECILIA POP, Head of National Accounts, National Commission for Statistics, Romania:

f f "1 Γ Te have always felt part "Biggest statistical challenge? To use 'of Europe. I don't want ESA '95 methodology. Until now we imagine us outside.We have been using ESA '79 and there can offewr a very larg e market We are many and very important differ­ Ψ Fto ir need high­quality products. And we ences. For this we need an inventory have a very good and qualified labour of all the differences and to improve force. So maybe we can offer some our data sources in order to calcu­ things the EU needs. late very good indicators.

"From the statistical point­of­view we "I am positive we shall rise to the are very close: we can provide all statistical challenge. I am afraid only kinds of the same sort of data. But from the economic point­of­view. economically we are very far from We are now in a very difficult peri­ Europe and EU membership might od. All our economic system is help close the gap. changing."

22 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

veys; explain our methodology; be Communicate· communicate very transparent I think the key challenge of statistical agencies in transition countries is to build an ··· JAN FISCHER, Vice-President, Czech Statistical Office: image of an independent and credi• ble institution - credible for users, politicians, and mainly for the public.

"Being one of the first six countries recommended for accession is a great challenge for us as a statistical office - to provide our decision• makers with comparable data based on Western standards.

"But it's a never-ending story. Our users will be never fully satisfied. I think that's quite natural - just nor• mal communication.The main task is to communicate, communicate, com• municate - to clarify our concepts.

"We are speeding up work on posi• tion documents to provide our negotiators with a picture of our statistics and the gaps between them fhere have been a lot of "The other problem is changing the and EU standards, and our proposals #ch' changea s in our statistical system institution, the statisticians, behaviour to fill the gaps. Xbu. butt the problems of transition towards our users - to be more haven't only been new concepts, defi• user-friendly: not only to provide "Statistics are not free and we are nitions, classifications etc. We suc• users with data but to communicate limited by budget cuts. But I'm pretty ceeded in solving these relatively fast preparatory work on statistical sur• sure we shall be ready on time."

Early start BOZENA JAKOBIAK, National Accounts Director, CSO, Poland: f f TB"n Poland we started to 1995 we have had a new statistical ^implement new statistical law fully compatible with the EU. .methodology very early. At the end of 1989 and beginning of 1990 "On national accounts, we are our office signed a special cooper• implementing all known financial ation agreement with Eurostat. accounts by institutional sector, and From then we started to imple• now finalising work on financial ment SNA methodology - first accounts and balance sheets for ESA '79 and then, for some years 1995. now, '95. "Joining the European statistical "Our main partner was INSEE. system is a challenge. Every year Now I think we are very advanced we plan our work according to in new methodology.This is not national users' needs; now have only in national accounts but in to include Eurostat requirements changes to our basic statistics, in parallel. Some work planned price statistics (very important, for two or three years' hence we connected to high inflation in have to do now, and very fast. So Poland), statistical registers, classi• it is very difficult for us and we fications... And from I January have to make priorities.

Sigmo4B /997 23 EU ENLARGEMENT

"One big problem is data on net to establish the real market value our regional offices to try to measure valuation. Up to now we have cal• of enterprises. the hidden economy. culated only gross figures because, "I think the majority of Poles are con• like other transition countries, we "Another problem is data coverage. vinced about joining the EU. Biggest have difficulty in valuing fixed assets On one side there is the hidden benefit? I think the feeling of being a and the consumption of fixed capi• economy, on the other our not-so- member will be very important Also tal.We have to do it; but privatisa• good registers. Our President has we see that we shall profit from trade tion is on-going and it is not easy established a special centre in one of with Member States."

Plans coincide "In the balance of payments we do have some deficiencies that we have GYÖRGY SANDOR, Managing Director, Statistics to make up in the very near future. Department, National Bank of Hungary: And we don't have good regional statistics.These will have to improve, otherwise we shall never know what is happening in the country.

"The financial sector's view of accession? I don't think it has really sunk in that we are going to be members.The financial sector is in the same situation as the Central Bank.They have their own business in the short term and can't plan so far ahead. But they keep an eye on it Recent OECD membership might have a bigger impact because we expect to have to open our banking business to foreign competition.

"As for the Hungarian people, they are very much in favour of the EU, although they see a lot of risks. They recognise the bureaucratic think producing statistics for produces balance of payments and and cost burden it represents, at ft J'th e EU is second priority to monetary statistics; and we are now least seen from outside. We are a #tnationah l requirements at pre• producing financial accounts - I little more agricultural than the EU JL na sent But fortunately our statistical hope by the end of 1997 we shall average and we see some EU coun• development plan also fits the agenda have the first set of data. tries don't like agricultural produc• of the EU accession process. So if we ers and feel this might create prob• follow our own plan we shall meet "On quality and timeliness, I don't lems when we join. Eurostat and EMI requirements. think we are much behind the EU average and I believe we can match "But if you measure it on a net "In Hungary, as in some other tran• some of the less-advanced EU basis, no way should we be out• sition countries, the Central Bank countries. side." - From Marx ost of our people hope tics that are good, reliable and to Keynes we shall join the EU. comparable. "MiOne sig n of this is our commitment to EU statistical stan• "Our biggest challenge at present? JONAS MARKELEVICIUS, dards. Only statistics can show how Difficult to say - there many! We can Deputy Director, Lithuanian much we fit into the EU frame• say we are collecting very reliable and Department of Statistics: work. But we have to have statis- EU-comparable statistics.The difficult

24 Sigma 3 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

has been we had very little time to create our national accounts. EU countries have had a lot of time! We started in 1992 with no specialists.AH of us working in statistics then had been in Soviet universities. Economic theory was Marxist not Keynesian.We had no methodological literature and there were problems with software.

"There have been many problems of economic change: a lot of enterprises disappear and it's difficult to keep track. But with the help of many peo• ple from European organisations we can compare our statistics with those of the EU.

"We had to recreate the credibility of statistics - their reliability. It was a dif• ficult task. But Lithuanians now believe our statistics more and more. Demand for our publications is rising. It doesn't mean everything is solved. We have to implement the principles of confidentiality, transparency, a proper legal basis for statistics, and our own independence.

"But we don't feel any pressure from Government — except in demanding the latest numbers!"

Statistics are important and And from a CMFB member... it is necessary to spend kJ«mone y to improve them. I ENRICO GIOVANNINI, Central Manager for Institutional would stress three points: and Business Statistics, Italian National Statistical Office (ISTAT), speaking to CC delegates: "First: the dissemination of results - to improve the credibility of your data is a key element in improving your presence in the country.

"Second: presence in the research fora - joint projects with universi• ties and other institutes to improve the quality of your action and dis• seminate the problems of statistics to other groups, for example econ• omists.

"Third: to be present in public opinion - using newspapers or other ways of letting the public know about statistical problems."

Sigma 4 m 1997 25 EU ENLARGEMENT

Alongside NSIs, central banks are key players in painting an accurate statistical picture of a country's economic health. CMFB (Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments Statistics) typi• fies this. JOHN WRIGHT went to the Czech National Bank (CNB) in Prague to speak to MARTIN SVEHLA, its Public Relations Director.Talk of statistics turned inevitably to preparations for accession and state of the economy, for these are inextricably linked.

n open Czech Tradition since 1918 Svehla says "After foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, we started with a Martin Svehla typifies the new dynamic sovereign monetary policy. This was submerged in 40 and open Czech Republic. years of communism and emerged again in 1990. His clothes, his manner, his with the 'other world', the necessity surroundings would not be out to transform the economy, and so on. "In the communist period the of place in banking circles in But statistics are the main channel of whole banking sector was Frankfurt, Paris, London or communication: the very important based on the existence of a device to see realistically what's going mono-bank that performed as Rome. I call at short notice. on in the economy, where the sensi• a commercial bank and a mon• This does not faze him in the tive and problematic things are; what etary institution. In addition, slightest. He quickly assesses to do and how to do it and the we had CSOB - a commercial my needs. My tape recorder is results. bank for international settle• switched on. He switches on. ments - and a savings bank And for 40 minutes he delivers "At the very beginning the CNB made that collected deposits, mainly from citizens. This was the a lot of effort to adjust our statistics a frank tour de force on the whole banking sector. economy, statistics and acces• to compare with the other world.This started immediately in 1990 with the sion. Then he abandons me to "Economic reform following necessity to communicate with the the 1989 revolution started conduct a press conference. It's IMF and neighbouring countries, with by splitting the mono-bank all very professional... the EU and G7 - all those who into four parts: a monetary wished to assess the Czechoslovak CNB's view on preparing institution, which kept the economy for possible investment etc. for EU membership: name State Bank of Czechoslovakia; one big com• "A task we can divide into different "Whenever you communicate you mercial bank for Slovakia and areas. Main one is to increase the need figures to compare with similar one for the Czech Republic; importance of the economy - to figures abroad. In my opinion, statistics and an investment bank that increase living standards, skills of the are extremely important for commu• collected past credits issued people... I think this can create the nication as well as efficient manage• by the mono-bank. basis for EU negotiations. Second is to ment of economic and monetary poli• tune our legislation and instruments cy based on proper information. Many "The State Bank took part in to the EU.Third: to tune the funda• likely investors are interested in look• preparation and realisation of mentals - not only to the Maastricht ing at the main figures on our macro- economic reform after 1991. criteria, but to reach the same eco• economic position. We split the country in 1993 nomic dynamism as the EU, the same to form the Slovak and Czech rhythm of economic life; not to be Republics, so in principle the "If you compare foreign investors faced with problems and conflicts as new Czech National Bank has with our own entrepreneurs, you we approach membership." existed since I January 1993, always see that foreigners are much but the modern monetary pol• Importance of statistics! more used to dealing with such fig• icy since 1990. ures. Our people know how to "Statistics are something many people organise their activity but don't care "But we see and feel the tra• here forget to consider when speaking so much about possible macro-eco• dition from 1918." about the EU - about communication nomic changes and developments.

26 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

"l_astest example is linked to the the fact that we are in many areas fact that we have abandoned fixed under some kind of development exchange rates. For years people process. And if I am upset by this I were very used to fixed exchange. have to add that, on the other They didn't care about possible hand, there is significant improve­ changes in interest rates. Now they ment in the data." are faced with huge changes, with some losses.This taught domestic Keeping a balance entrepreneurs a lesson: that they must be aware of the country's Most interesting economic statistics at macro­economic position and con­ present? stantly update their views and fore­ "Everybody's focused on our bal­ casts on how things are working ance of payments. We are faced and how they may develop." with an imbalance, with quite sharply­growing economic demand Just how accurate are Czech macro­ and quickly­growing wages in com­ economic data? parison to productivity. All this adds Svehla: "I think in comparison to to the deficit. other countries we are a little behind with our figures ­ mainly "Certainly, due to our convertible those from the Czech Statistical currency and completely open econ­ Office but also banking statistics, omy, foreigners are keen to follow which are extremely important. developments in this area: what our external position is; if there's some "You know, central banks are "This is certainly a problem.What kind of imbalance; whether we're always very cautious and reluctant are first presented are outlooks, able to handle it or not not final figures. I think it is neces­ to call something a positive signal. sary to have these.They give "The 1996 balance of payments was But we have developments now ­ important signals. But sometimes in deficit by 160 billion crowns. mainly in the dynamism of exports, revisions are quite significant and After eight months of '97 it was 97 which are now higher than imports we have examples that completely billion with quite a significant ­ that, if continued, perhaps could be changed the view of things. I sup­ decline in monthly figures from a good signal.This is the cautious pose such problems are linked to roughly 15 billion to 9.7 billion. view of the Central Bank!

Rapid expansion of foreign trade in the Czech Republic ­ mostly in the Trade takes off EU's direction ­ was highlighted in a report and news release from Eurostat, issued around the time of this interview. It showed that in the Czech Republic in 1996 the EU accounted for around 58% of both total imports and exports. Around half of all this trade was with Germany. The Czech Republic now accounts for 0.6% of world trade

This table »^g—^i—Q—(Γ—|r|—iî|îM is taken from EXPORTS BALAI MCE the report. 1993 | 1996 j 95/96 1996 1993 1996 95/96 1996 993 i 1996 ^^1 | % +/­ i% share % +/­ ; % share

World 10.98 | 21.88 j 13.3 1 too 11.28 17.24 4.1 j 100 0.30 | ­4.64 EU 4.68 j 12.81 8.6 ! 58.5 4.69 10.04 ­0.5 ! 58.2 0.01 | ­2.77

Germany 2.78 6.53 6.7 | 29.8 2.86 6.20 ­0.3 | 36.0 0.08 ­0.33

Austria n/a 1.26 j ­5.7 5.8 n/a l.ll 2.3 6.5 n /a ­0.14

Russia 1.08 | 1.62 | 13.0 7.4 0.49 0.55 13.2 3.2 •0.59 | ­1.07 USA 0.33 0.74 j 13.7 3.4 0.20 0.37 15.6 I 2.1 ­0.13 ï ­0.37

Sigma 4 m /997 27 EU ENLARGEMENT

'This economy and its structure "One could say that the can be described better by the recent improvement in our current account including ser• exports is linked to devalua• vices, tourism, transport etc. If tion of the crown in May this becomes more or less in 1997. But again the statistics balance it will indicate stability give a different answer. Look or equilibrium and a good at the development in basis for growth and develop• machinery and equipment. ment of the economy." This part of industry has been growing continuously He adds: "Keep in mind that for a long time. [In 1996 for a long period Czech industrial products made up exports were oriented 85% of CzechlEU trade. towards the east, Russia etc. Machinery and transport To stream them in the oppo• equipment alone accounted site direction means a com• for 36% of transactions.] So I plete change of structure with think devaluation is not the huge increases in quality. It only reason for healthier requires a lot of investment exports. and certainly we hope that extensive privatisation might "This underlines the impor• create a good starting posi• tance of statistics! tion for entrepreneurs to find a place in the market and the "We must have good statis• chance to develop. tics to know where we are, "This is perhaps much more dif• the changes taking place, and ficult than one expected but I am the banking sector or from foreign whether we are heading in the right optimistic.There are quite good con partners - this can work." direction or not. ditions here. Before the war thé VW success "The statistical department is a strong country was highly developed, well Main exports at present? department of the Central Bank. industrialised. If you travel around Certainly without statistics we cannot you see in practically every village Svehla: "Theseere affected by the live. some old works or factory that Skoda-Volkswagen enterprise, which once employed 20,50 or 100 peo• represents roughly 7% of our exports. "Monetary policy is something you ple. So it is possible, with not a large This is an example of a very successful decide now and affects the future.You amount of capital, to start new activ• privatisation process with the partici• have to base your decisions on fore• ity. Our people are skilled enough pation of a strategic partner.The casts. Good monetary policy depends and have the ideas to do this. investor, the Czech partner and the on proper information, which means Perhaps if they find the capital - on Czech economy all gain. it depends on statistics." the capital market, if it improves, in Can't afford debts Says Martin Svehla: "I think what we have to go through is a huge and difficult development. We changed the system. Now we have to improve it: improve the rules; clean up things that restrict development; be open to new entrepreneurial activity; create more confidence into the system...in this way to attract foreigners to take part in the restructuring process. "We need much higher economic growth, in line with other countries, together with adjustment of other fundamentals and aspects of the econ• omy. Currently we can gain from some differences with other countries, mainly in wages, living standards, some prices, and so on. But this cush• ion will become weaker and weaker. "We cannot afford to create many debts, shifiing our costs to future gen• erations. I think we have to solve our problems now, when they crop up, and to tune and adjust the whole system so that upon accessiçn it match• es the standards of EU Member States. " 28 Sigma 4 m 1997 urostot

** sig«"0 leaW ^ otf****** aVV ^ ° haooM a Met» W" »NN W EUFtOPEAN COMMISSION statistical of the European Communities ^MBammM eurostat Our mission is to provide the European Union with a high-quality statistical service January February March April May June

1 Thit New Year's Day 1 Sun 1 Sun 1 Wed 1 FW labour Day 1 A/Oil Mui Monday 2 Fri 2 Mon 2 Afwi 2 F/m 2 Sat 2 Fue 3 Sut 3 Tue 3 Tue 3 FW 3 Sun 3 Hiv/ 4 Sun 4 Wed 4 W-W/ 4 Sar 4 Affin 4 77i« 5 Mon 5 Tim 5 Tiu, 5 Sun 5 Tue 5 FW 6 Tue 6 Fri 6 FW 6 Affin 6 Wed 6 Sat 7 Wed 7 Sat 7 Sar 7 Fiif 7 F/m 7 Sun 8 Tini 8 Sun 8 Sun 8 HW 8 FW 8 Mon 9 Fri 9 Mon 9 Affin 9 Tllll Maundy Thursday 9 Sat 9 Tue IO &tf IO 71« 10 Tue IO Fri Good Friday 10 Sun IO Wed 11 5ι/π 11 Wed 11 Wed 11 Sar 11 A/fin 11 77iu 12 A/wi 12 77w 12 F/m 12 Sun Easier Sunday 12 Tue 12 FW 13 7/if 13 Fri- 13 Fri 13 Affili Easier Monday 13 Wed 13 Sat 14 Wed Mi Sat 14 Sa; 14 7'llf 14 Tim 14 Sun 15 F/m 15 Sun 15 Sun 15 Wed 15 FW 15 Affi/t 16 Fri­ 16 Mon 16 Λ/η» 16 77m 16 Sar 16 7Ικ ll Sal 17 Γ«ί 17 Tue 17 FW 17 Sun 17 Wed 18 5un 18 Hfed 18 Wed 18 Sat 18 A/mi 18 r/m 19 Mon 19 Γ/iu 19 Γ/ι» 19 Sun 19 Tue 19 FW 20 Fue 20 Fri 20 Fri 20 Affin 20 HW 20 Sat ■M C 21 Wei/ 21 Sat 21 Sar 21 Tue 21 Sun 22 Tim 22 S1//1 22 Sun 22 HW/ 22 FW 22 A/fin 23 FW 23 A/wi 23 Mon 23 TIn, 23 Sat 23 Tue Luxembourg National Day 24 Sm 24 Tue 24 Tue 24 FW 24 Sun 24 Wed 25 5un 25 W«/ 25 Wed 25 Sat 25 Afim 25 77m 26 Aion 26 Tim 26 F/m 26 Sun 26 Tue 26 FW 27 Tue 27 F« 27 FW 27 Affin 27 HW 27 Sat 28 HW/ 28 Sar 28 Sat 28 Tue 28 Thu 28 Sun 29 Tini 29 Suri 29 VV«/ 29 FW 29 A/im 30 Fri- 30 Mon 30 Tim 30 Sat 30 Tue SI Sar 31 7ue 31 Sun IV/MI Sumin' EUROPEAN COMMISSION Statistica l | =[//j of the European Communities eurOStat Our mission is to provide the European Union with a high-quality statistical service July August September October Novem ^H December 1 Wed 1 Sar 1 Fue 1 7/iíi 1 Sun A// Saints Day 1 Fue 2 Thu 2 Sun 2 Wed 2 FW 2 Afon 2 Wed 3 FW 3 Afon 3 F/iu 3 Sar 3 Tue 3 F/m 4 Sat 4 Fue 4 FW 4 Sun 4 Wed 4 FW 5 Sun 5 Wed 5 Sat 5 Mon 5 F/m 5 Sat 6 Afon 6 F/m 6 Sun 6 Fue 6 FW 6 Sun 7 Tue 7 FW 7 Afon 7 Wed 7 Sal 7 Afon 8 Wed 8 Sat 8 Fue 8 F/iu 8 Sun 8 Tue 9 Thu 9 Sun 9 Wed 9 FW 9 Afon 9 Wed IO Fri• IO Aion IO F/m IO Sat IO Fue IO Thu ll Sat 11 Tue 11 FW 11 Sun 11 Wed 11 FW 12 Sun 12 Wed 12 Sat 12 Mon 12 F/m 12 Sat 13 Mon 13 F/m 13 Sun 13 Fue 13 FW 13 Sun 14 Tue 14 FW 14 Afon 14 Wed 14 Sat 14 Afon 15 Wed 15 Sat Assumption Day1 5 Tue 15 F/m 15 Sun 15 Tue 16 77m 16 Sun 16 Wed 16 FW 16 Mon 16 Wed 17 FW 17 Afon 17 Thu 17 Sat 17 Fue 17 Thu 18 Sat 18 Fue 18 FW 18 Sun 18 Wed 18 FW 19 Sun 19 Wed 19 Sat 19 Mon 19 F/m 19 Sar 20 Afon 20 F/iu 20 Sun 20 Fue 20 FW 20 Sun 21 Tue 21 FW 21 Afon 21 Wed 21 Sat 21 Afon 22 Wed 22 Sat 22 Tue 22 Thu 22 Sun 22 Tue 23 Thu 23 Sun 23 Wed 23 FW 23 Afon 23 Wed 24 FW 24 Afon 24 Thu 24 Sat 24 Tue 24 F/iu 25 Sar 25 Tue 25 FW 25 Sun 25 -Wed 25 FW Christmas Day 26 Sun 26 Wed 26 Sar 26 Afon 26 Thu 26 Sat Boxing Day 27 Afon 27 F/iu 27 Sun 27 Tue 27 FW 27 Sun 28 Tue 28 FW 28 Afon 28 Wed 28 Sat 28 Afon 29 Wed 29 Sat 29 Tue 29 Thu 29 Sun 29 Tue 30 F/m 30 Sun 30 Wed 30 FW 30 Afon 30 Wed 31 FW 31 Mon 31 Sa/ 31 Thu Eurostat Data Shops

LUXEMBOURG ITALIA ­ Milano USA Eurostat Data Shop Luxembourg ISTAT HAVER ANALYTICS 4, rue Alphonse Weicker Centro di Informazione Statistica Eurostat Data Shop Boîte postale 453 ­ Sede di Milano 60 East 42nd Street L­2014 LUXEMBOURG Eurostat Data Shop Suite 2424 Tel:+352­43 35 22 51 Piazza della Repubblica 22 NEW YORK, NY 10165 Fax:+352­43 35 22 221 I ­20124 MILANO Tel:+ 1­212­986 9300 E­mail : [email protected] Tel :+39­2­65 95 133/134 Fax:+1­212­986 5857 Fax : +39­2­65 30 75 E­mail : [email protected]

BELGIQUE/BELGIË Eurostat Data Shop ESPANA To be opened: Bruxelles / Brussel INE Rue Joseph II, 121 Eurostat Data Shop SVERIGE Jozef II straat, 121 Paseo de la Castellana 183 STATISTICS SWEDEN Β ­ 1049 BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL Oficina 009 Information service Tel : +32­2­299 66 66 Entrada por Estébanez Calderón Eurostat Data Shop Fax:+32­2­295 01 25 E ­ 28046 MADRID Karlavägen 100 E­mail : Tel:+34­1­583 91 67 Box 24 300 [email protected] Fax:+34­1­579 71 20 S­ 104 51 STOCKHOLM E­mail : [email protected] Tel:+46­8­783 48 01 [email protected] Fax : +46­8­783 48 99 FRANCE [email protected] E­mail : [email protected] INSEE Info Service Eurostat Data Shop DEUTSCHLAND 195, rue de Bercy DANMARK STATISTISCHES BUNDESAMT Tour Gamma A DANMARKS STATISTIK Berlin ­ 75582 PARIS CEDEX 12 Bibliotek og Information Information Service Tel:+33­1­53 17 88 44 Eurostat Data Shop Eurostat Data Shop Fax:+33­1­53 17 88 22 Sejrøgade 11 Otto­Braun­Straße 70­72 DK ­ 2100 KØBENHAVN 0 D­ 10178 BERLIN Tel:+45­39 17 30 30 Tel : +49­30­23 24 68 67 ITALIA ­ Roma Fax:+45­39 17 30 03 Fax : +49­30­23 24 64 00 ISTAT E­mail : [email protected] Centro di Informazione Statistica NEDERLAND ­ Sede di Roma UK STATISTICS NETHERLANDS Eurostat Data Shop ONS Sales Office Eurostat Data Shop ­ Library Via Cesare Balbo I la Eurostat Data Shop pò box 4000 1­00184 ROMA OFFICE FOR NATIONAL NL­2270 JM VOORBURG Tel : +39­6­46 73 31 05/02 STATISTICS Tel :+31­70­33 75 149 Fax:+39­6­46 73 31 07/01 I Drummond Gate Fax:+31­70­337 59 84 E­mail : [email protected] UK ­ LONDON SWIV 2QQ Tel :+44­171­533 5676 Fax:+44­171­533 5689 E­mail : [email protected]

Eurostat Homepage

http://europa.eu.int/eurostat.html

Media Support Eurostat

(spezieller Dienst für Journalisten / only for professional journalists / réservé aux journalistes professionnels) Bâtiment Jean Monnet Office JMO B3/88 L ­ 2920 Luxembourg Tel:+352-4301 33408 Fax:+352­4301 32649 e­mail : [email protected] EU ENLARGEMENT

Sigma sent JOHN WRIGHT to talk to top people in the NSIs of two of the smaller Candidate Countries. His brief: to record their view of statistical cooperation with the EU and how they are rising to the challenge of preparing for membership. First he interviewed DR EVROS DEMETRI­ ADES, Director of the Department of Statistics and Research of the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus was first of the six countries recommended for accession negotiations: ¡t submitted its application for membership in 1990 and received positive assurances from the European Council in 1993. iprus figures on a solution

When the Cyprus NSljoins the EU statistical 'club ' it will cer­ tainly stand out in the crowd. It represents a country with a very distinctive character and a rather uncomfortable politi­ cal problem. It's a problem that Evros Demetriades hopes EU membership may help to solve; but more on this later...

Μ "Τ irst, its character. It has one r^ foot in the orient but sturdy JL historical and cultural ties with Europe ­ especially with two very dif­ Despite its British connections, geo­ Running sore ferent existing EU members, Greece graphically Cyprus is part of Asia ­ an And so it is today ­ a running sore. But and the United Kingdom. ancient gateway to the east And nearly Dr Demetriades believes EU mem­ 85% of its population of almost Until I960 it was a British colony ­ bership might, just might, one day heal 750,000 is of Greek origin; they feel and prospered.Today, as Dr the wound.This must give added impe­ very close to Greece. Demetriades puts it, "about a third tus to his efforts to ensure that of the population of Cyprus lives in Cypriot statistics are in the best possi­ the UK". Quite a few Britons also live Twelve per cent is Turkish, which ble shape. Let him explain... But first, in Cyprus. It has kept many British val­ leads us to the political problem.The the man himself: patrician in the Greek ues, and relationships with the former introduction to Cyprus in figures put it way but more than a little English, ruler are close and warm, despite a this way: which is hardly surprising given his messy armed struggle for indepen­ background... dence in the 1950s. In July 19 74 Turkey invaded the 'island, He says one thing the British can be eventually occupying 40 per cent of the The Republic is a member of the proud of is the good civil service they total territory of the Republic of British Commonwealth and still hosts left behind. It absorbed the best brains. Cyprus. As a result, 200,000 Greek British military bases.There are nearly He is part of that He says Cypriots Cypriots [nearly a third of the Greek a million British tourists a year (and a educated in England were considered population] were displaced from their quarter­of­a­million Germans come to the elite. He studied at Queen's homes and were forced to flee to the that). University, Belfast the University of southern part of the ¡sland.The UN Cambridge, the London School of President Glafkos Clerides was in the General Assembly unanimously adopted Economics and, for good measure, the Royal Air Force In the Second World resolutions calling for the withdrawal of University of Minnesota on a Fulbright War. He was shot down over all foreign troops from Cyprus and the Scholarship ­ a fairly unbeatable Germany, believed dead. His family return of refugees to their homes, but combination. He became Director of even held a memorial service for him. without result the NSl at beginning of 1981.

Sigma 4 m 1997 29 EU ENLARGEMENT The political problem Why, I ask Demetriades, does incorporate anything in our official Cyprus want to join the EU? statistics for various reasons. We don't have any control of the statis­ "I think there are three basic issues: tics: we don't know their accuracy "One, we believe that as a member or their timeliness. We simply get the F.U will understand us better. information from the newspapers which will assist in solving our and bulletins they publish." political problem with the Turks. There is no official contact between "Two, we have been trading with Greek Cypriot statisticians and Europe for a long time. Most of our Turkish Cypriot statisticians, and tourism is from Europe. Although Dr Demetriades tells a story tha, we belong geographically to Asia. illustrates this vividly and also we are culturally European with our underlines the patent absurdity of A divided island: around 650,000, economy to European standards. I the situation... mostly Greeks, live in the think by joining the EU we shall Republic; nearly 90,000, mostly have more prosperity and stability ­ "They have a so­called Director of Turks, are in the northern enclave both political and economic ­ as part Statistics. Mr Feridun Feridun. 1 had a of Β bigger 'nation'. chance to talk to him a month ago in Cypriots want to be closer to the Istanbul when we both attended an Greek Cypriots. I have the feeling "Three, we believe we shall have international conference. I was chair­ that if the Turkish Army left tomor­ security. Because we are a small ing a meeting and presenting a paper row, in less than 24 hours most island, we can't defend ourselves. and he came up and congratulated Turks would return to their homes EU membership will enable us to me. We had a very nice talk and and villages in the Government-con­ plan for the long term." exchanged cards and he said he was trolled area. As long as they felt very willing to cooperate with us on secure, they would be more than You feel a Utile vulnerable at the quite a number of things but was glad to go back home, where. I moment? restrained by the political situation." think, they would enjoy better pros­ "Very much so. perity and a better environment." You can Ί actually meet in Cyprus? Wlien Cyprus joins the EU, won't the "The main threat, of course, is "No. Turkish-occupied area wish to rejoin Turkey. But things are not so "When I first met him I said, 'You the Republic in fear ofmissing out.' straightforward because Greece is must be the son of one of my teach­ an EU member and still has prob­ ers uho had the same name'. He It is clear that he believes member­ lems with Turkey, which is also its said. 'No - he's my uncle'. At the ship is the best hope of reconcilia­ main threat. But inside the EU at English School in Nicosia I had his tion. "I think two steps would raise least we shall feel more secure." uncle as my chemistry teacher. their prosperity very quickly if they rejoined us. Firstly, if what we have We discuss the prospect of Türke) "I know quite a number of Turks been spending on arms all went to from school. They have senior posi­ joining. the Turkish-occupied area. And. sec­ tions in government. They seem to ondly, the amount of technical assis­ get all our statistical publications - Demetriades: "If the) did. it would tance they would receive from the he much easier lor everybody. But either from friends or by sending EU. UN and the Americans to raise as things are al the moment there are people into the government-con­ their standard of living. perhaps 15 or 20 years behind us." trolled area to buy them. And we obtain some of their publications "1 believe in no time - two or three Does lii'< office try to monitor what is from various sources and keep an years - we could all reach a good happening in the Turkish­occupied inventory." level of prosperity in Cyprus, both pan of ( yprus '.' Greeks and Turks. The human and He adds that the Turkish enclave is financial resources on both sides "On several occasions thought has run by Turkey with little indepen­ being wasted on arms and military been given to this. But we can't dence o\ action. "Most Turkish forces is quite unnecessary."

30 Sigma 4 U 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

We talk a little about the relatively """ ¿IAI short history of the Cyprus statistical office. "It was established in 1950 as a small administrative unit of the then British colonial government collecting basic vital statistics, customs revenue etc. First attempts to compile national income figures were in 1954. First population census had been in 1881 after the British came in 1878. After independence in 1960 we became a fully-fledged department under the Ministry of Finance.

"The Government realised straight away that it needed data for socio• economic planning. So the Department was expanded and now we have nearly 150 regular staff suplemented by casuals for censuses and surveys. Professionally and techni• cally we are independent of the Ministry but 'belong' to It administra• tions and regions, where we are less Demetriades continues: 'The tively. The status of statistics within developed. department has a very important role government is quite high. to play in every aspect of negotiations "In many fields we are in a better for joining the EU. When Greece "We moved into a brand new six- position than Greece. Reasons? We joined, it was a political decision. But are smaller.The NSl has had a stable storey HQ in Nicosia in 1996, which now every country has to prove it administration, in the sense that my illustrates the Government's commit• has a sound economy and the infra• job is not political; I have been ment to statistical development structure and institutions that will Director for 17 years or so. Quite a integrate with the EU.And the cus• "Like any advanced statistical office number of Ministers and under-secre- toms union is also very important for we produce the whole range of data. taries have passed through the us." [A customs agreement with the EU For every sector of the economy we Ministry of Finance. I am untouched - has been in force since 1988.] have an annual report Now we are a civil servant they have to find a very more or less electronic with pages on serious excuse to fire or move me. Quickly as possible the Internet etc." Such stability is important in every government office, especially statistics. "After our application to join there Comparisons It ensures impartiality. was an initial evaluation of our statis• tical system by the Europeans. It was How, I want to know, do they compare "The other important factor is the found to be on quite a reasonable with other NSIs: Greece, for example? Government has been spending quite basis and straight away we started an a lot of money on upgrading statistics. "We have a very well-developed sta• action plan with the help of Eurostat One proof is our new building.Also tistical system based on two main to move to EU standards at a faster we have a continuous training pro• principles: pace.We hope to meet these stan• gramme, and the Department is now dards in three to four years. "One, our data are comparable inter• well qualified for any kind of statistical nationally using UN concepts and def• work the Europeans want "For example, we are going to intro• initions. duce a harmonized CPl.And every "Unfortunately, the past few years time we start a new survey or inquiry 'Two, we have been expanding and have seen a tendency for less govern• we try harmonize to EU standards. now cover many basic fields impor• ment - cuts in the government labour This is a good policy because we tant for integrating into the European force - and that is hitting statistics in a don't need many extra resources for system. But I think we still have a lot sense.And there is also a tendency all harmonization processes. to do to meet all Eurostat require• now to give more statistical survey ments because they put much work to outsiders - to contract out "Of paramount importance to us is emphasis on statistics on social condi- work we used to do ourselves." the experience of Sweden, Finland

Sigma 4 m 1997 31 EU ENLARGEMENT

and Austria, because they had pre- "Now the challenge is to expand to PROSPECTS FOR accession talks for a number of years. match the variety required by the EU, So we try to see how they went with new technology, new techniques, A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT about preparing." and also new areas of statistics. Efforts since 1993, chiefly under UN auspices, to work towards a When does he think they'll join? "It is a field never saturated: users political settlement, in accor• always need better and more accu• "As quickly as possible! But I don't dance with various UN proposals, rate and timely data, which I think think it will be before 2001 or 2. It's have not achieved much encouraging that we're in the first nobody can satisfy." progress. The UN conducted group of six." intensive contacts with the lead• "Although, as a statistical office, we ers of the two communities dur• Will he still be Director then? are small, we still have to do what a ing the first half of 1997 which "No, I retire at 60, on I Jury 1998. I've big country does.We take particular have now led to face-to-face been in government for 42 years. Of pride in improving our statistical data• talks between them under UN course, I shall still be involved in the base both in quantity and quality, and auspices. There is a chance to make progress before the various studies relating to member• in dissemination. I think there's no Presidential elections due in ship. point in having information in files or Cyprus in February 1998. people not knowing what we're "It is a challenge but I must confess, doing. But I must admit that statistical The shape of a settlement, hard work to make it work. I faced a development is a painstaking affair. It establishing a bicommunal and similar problem when I became needs a lot of investment in both bizonal federation, is well estab• Director nearly 20 years ago. I had to human resources and capital invest• lished, and supported by the introduce a new system of national ment in new technology, and in build• Union. A number of options for accounts, which are now very impor• ing an infrastructure, which you can't constitutional and territorial tant statistics for accession.We had have overnight You have to plan over arrangements to implement it extensive technical assistance from a number of years." have been explored, and the Germany. beginnings of a possible consen• sus have sometimes been dis• Our interview ends. It is clear "I really enjoy working on new things. cernible. But there has not hith• that statistics in Cyprus - To me, statistics have never been bor- erto been sufficient incentive for indeed, the Republic of Cyprus . ing.They have been a challenge... the two communities, to reach Firstly, in applying scientific methodol• as a whole - have a staunch and agreement. ogy; secondly, in applying new technol• forceful advocate in the elegant ogy in collection and dissemination; shape of Ev ros Demetriades. It's The Union is determined to play and, thirdly, in making statistics more a pity that he won't be around a positive role in bringing about consumer- and user-oriented with a when the NSl joins the EU sta• a just and lasting settlement in more relevant role in government and tistical 'club'. But it is clear that accordance with the relevant public life than used to be the case. his influence will be. United Nations Resolutions. The status quo which is at odds with international law, threatens the ECONOMY IN GOOD SHAPE stability of the island, the region Says Demetriades: "Our economy is in good shape. In 1996 we achieved and has implications for the growth of 2% in real terms, very comparable with quite a number of security of Europe as a whole. European countries. Our inflation is low, around 3%. Turkey has over The Union cannot, and does not wish to, interfere in the institu• 100% a year, which is reflected in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus. tional arrangements to be "Unfortunately in 1997 we've been suffering from a very severe drought, agreed between the parties. But although we are an island and surrounded by water! This will have a it is available to advise on the serious impact on all economic activity. We have invested heavily in dams compatibility of such arrange• and now we are into desalination. ments with the acquis of the Union. The prospect of accession, 'Tourism is expanding in 1997 and we hope this will make up for quite a whose political and economic number of the setbacks in agriculture. Mind you, the Turks at the moment advantages are now becoming are occupying the best land, the best tourist resorts - it's simply that they clear to Turkish Cypriots as well don't exploit them or utilise them in the best possible way. as to Greek Cypriots, can in itself provide such an incentive. "The services sector outside tourism is becoming very important. We have very good telecommunications system. We also have good public Extract from the European administration and the civil service is relatively efficient. " Commission's Agenda 2000

32 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

Next JOHN WRIGHT focused on Latvia, not one of the frontline Candidate Countries for joining the EU but dearly, in statisücs as in other areas, working hard towards that goal. He spoke to AIJA ZIGURE,Vice­President of the Central Statistical Bureau. atvia steers steadily west

Γ t's a question I always ask, I Is there a lot of contact? say, but why do you want to 'Yes. It occurs in several ways. 7join the EU? We have meetings like the Ms Zigure: "We are working a one with CMFB (Committee lot on economic reform ­ from on Monetary, Financial and a planned to a market economy Balance of payments statis­ ­ and we see our main econom­ tics) in Prague.These are ic partners in Europe.We believe good for meeting statisticians such relations would be much from other countries in tran­ more flexible as a member of sition and from EU Member the EU.There will be political States and Eurostat hear and cultural advantages, too." their assessment of us and express to them our wishes Are most Latvians in favour? for assistance. "Of course, we haven't had spe­ "In reorganising our statistical cial surveys. But yes, most of system it is very important them support the idea." for our specialists to partici­ When do you think you'll join? pate in seminars organised by Eurostat and other interna­ "It is difficult to say; probably first tional organisations ­ in years of the next century." working groups, meetings, / ask Ms Zigure about the work task forces.This enables them wider use of statistical registers, imple­ of the CSB and how it conforms to EU to broaden their knowledge of partic­ mentation of new surveys and intro­ standards. ular themes; for example, financial and duction of advanced information tech­ monetary statistics, calculation of price 'The state statistical system has under­ nology. So ­ a range of activities to indices, foreign trade accounting... gone considerable change. Our work is improve data reliability and concep­ now directed towards adapting to the tion. "Eurostat pilot projects on a certain vast amount of international and, above statistical theme are important for all, EU statistical standards in the fields "I can't say that at the moment it's all developing practical skills.These are of classifications, methodology, informa­ 100%.We have evaluated how our organised under the guidance of pro­ tion and data­processing systems. current statistical output corresponds fessional experts, usually from EU to EU requirements.At present we Member States.This enables us to use "We have some 400 staff with 200 in can ensure, fully or partially, the execu­ their experience in drawing up ques­ the main office in Riga. CSB collects, tion of 75% of requirements that form tionnaires and creating a sample, compiles and publishes all kinds of key the basis for improving existing statisti­ organising projects and training inter­ data ­ sectoral, macro­economic, cal surveys. If current development is viewers, as well as in dissemination. price, living standards, balance of pay­ maintained, Latvia could meet all these The aim is to do such these things ments etc.We use data not only from requirements by the year 2000. regular enterprise surveys but also subsequently without any help. from statistics prepared by other insti­ "We are very grateful to Eurostat and "We have also bilateral cooperation tutions and from other registers. its highly­professional specialists who with some EU NSIs. For example, Italy "We are working a lot to improve sta­ help us organise workshops, seminars, on research on the hidden economy tistical registration methods and on study visits etc." Finland on development of price

Sigma4m 1997 33 EU ENLARGEMENT

indices and sectoral statistics; Sweden "Of course, not all our work is for "We are now an independent office and Denmark on business statistics. Eurostat Every year we draft a statisti• supervised by the Ministry of We also have close cooperation with cal programme which is approved by Economy." other Baltic countries. the Cabinet and plays the main role in How is that independence guaranteed? the organisation of our work. It "We also try to use the experience of includes all kinds of key data collected, "We have had a statistics law from other transition countries. For exam• compiled and published for both 1993. It now needs certain changes to ple, we have good contact with the domestic users and the different inter• meet EU requirements and Parliament Hungarian CSO on estimates of input- national institutions." has passed a second reading of a new output tables." law." Where, I ask, is the most work still Big differences rVloin features? needed? Ms Zigure has long experience of Latvian statistics, much of it under "Duties and responsibilities of respon• "We have to work a lot on registers - communism. She became Vice- dents and the statistical office are improving our business register. Of President nearly three years ago. determined more definitely. Statistical course, we are working to develop a confidentiality is reflected in more harmonized CPl.We have a lot to do She says: "Statistics in planned and detail.." in branch statistics - agriculture, market economies are totally differ• industry, construction, investment... ent Very big differences started You really are independent from the polit• Some of these areas are to the re• from 1991 -92 when we began to ical process? Does the Government see quired standard; others only partly so. work with EU specialists. key figures in advance of publication?

The data were sent to Eurostat by CC Growth - Latvia & and rest NSIs as part of the pre-accession GDP of the II Candidate Countries Tite only ones with growth below the strategy. This aims at adequate (CCs) was put under the spotlight in EU were Bulgaria (2.1%), Hungary macro-economic statistics for these a report and news release from (1.5%) and Lah'ia (-0.8%). The last countries, plus assessment of their Eurostat in the autumn. Tins was a two Imd growth below 1994 levels. In quality. The report stressed the data good example of statistical coopera• addition, Lah'ia, where growth in '94 must be treated with caution. They tion now under way between the EU was positive for the first time since are not yet in line with EU standards and CCs, and the momentum it is 1991, showed a negative rate again, and comparability with EU statistics gaining. the only CC to do so. can't be guaranteed

Data were in PPS (purchasing power 9 standard), an artificial currency used Candidate Countries GDP in 1995 to eliminate the effect of different Annual growth Total at current Per person at prices for comparable goods and ser• rates in % prices current prices in vices in each country. Tite report in billion PPS PPS as index stressed this is a difficult exercise for (EU= 100) economics in transition. EU 14 6,434.3 100 It showed Latvia with the lowest Candidate 1 1 GDP per head in PPS: 18% of the 5.2 589.1 32 Countries EU average. This hadn 't moved since 1993 and represented 28CÅ of flu- Bulgaria 11 35.4 24 level in lowest EU country Greece. Czech Republic 4.2 I0I.8 57 Total GDP of CCs' in 1995 was Cyprus 5.8 n/a n/a 589.1 billion PPS - 9.1% of the Estonia 4.3 5.8 22 6,464.3 bn PPS of the EU. Latvia, Hungary 1.5 65.4 37 Lithuania, Estonia and Slovenia together represented only 8.4% of the Latvia -0.8 7.9 I8 CC' total. Lithuania 3.0 15.3 24 Poland 7.0 205.2 3I Tiic report said average annual GDP growth rate (1995) in CCs of 5.2% Romania 7.1 94.3 24 reflected fairly sustained economic Slovakia 7.0 37.8 4I growth at a level higher than the EU Slovenia 4.1 20.3 59 (2.4%) for the thinl year running. 1 excluding Cyprus

34 Sigma 4 m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

food and rent but also on saving for Zigure: "More than 70% of our pub• THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING THE LIBRARY OF THE STATISTICAL BUREAU OF LATVIA the purchase of durable goods. Lower lications are now in English as well as (thsd.) inflation influences living standards; Latvian." people feel more secure." So, no doubting the commitment of Growing demand the CBS.There's a way to go but the signals are all positive. What, I ask, about your relationship with the press? The big question, as always, is: Do people Zigure: "We have a special depart• now trust official statistics? ment for information and dissemina• Zigure: "Generally, yes - there's no tion that issues regular press releases, big opposition. Sometimes some and we have regular press confer• 1994 1995 1996 1997 economists try to analyse the data ences when we publish results on and point out some weak areas; but This shows the dramatic rise in more important surveys or indica• interest in Latvian statistics in general they use our data - and I tors, for example the labour force hope they trust it" survey or new data on the CPI or "All users whether government or household consumption. not see them at the same time." "We are making a conscious effort to HISTORICAL NOTE Not even the Prime Minister first? make our information more popular. Every year we prepare a special cata• In 1918 Latvia was proclaimed "No, honest!" logue of forthcoming publications an independent state. In 1940 it that is send to every user and pub• was occupied by and incorporat• Why do you regard this as so important? lished in main newspapers. ed into the Soviet Union. On 4 May 1990 the Supreme Council "We are following the experience and "At the year-end we plan to open a of the Republic adopted the standards of statistical offices in other special information centre with the Declaration on the Renewal of countries where no user is given pri• partial financial support of Statistics Independence, and on 21 August ority in obtaining or using data." Finland. It will have a public library 1991 a constitutional law was with reading room, small shop for passed declaring statehood Stable economy selling publications, and a depository based on independence and How, I ask, is the Latvian economy per• based on the existing library. It will be democracy and determined by forming at present? possible for people to use the the 1922 constitution. Internet in the reading room." "At the moment it is more stable. On 17 September 1991, Latvia CSB is witnessing a burgeoning Our CPI is going down - 8% at pre• was granted full UN membership. demand for data. Request from sent — and GDP is going up; we On 10 February 1995 it became expect quite a good increase in 1997. Latvians have more than doubled in the 34th member of the Council It is important to note that in 1997, three years and from overseas are of Europe and is now among the for the first time since transition running at over 12 times the number 11 Candidate Countries for EU began, GDP growth is led not only by in 1994. membership, although not service sector growth but also by among the first six recommend• industrial recovery. Investment - ed by the Commission for acces• including foreign investment - is sion negotiations. growing. For the first time since reform began, there is also moder• The statistical office began life in ate growth in the agricultural sec- \ 1919 and has a continuous histo• tor. In 1995 we had quite a big ry since, much of it, of course, banking crisis but now its effect has within the rigid Soviet system. ceased and our economy is develop• As Ms Zigure aptly puts it "a ing again." long history but we started anew in 1990". General standard of living? The booklet Latvia - Statistics in "At the moment it is medium - like brief 1997 shows that at the other countries in transition.At the 1) There's now beginning of 1996 Russians same time there are some positive a CD-ROM of Latvian statistics formed nearly a third of the changes: rising income per family 2) Example of bright, modern nearly 2.5 million population. member; money not spent mainly on publication in English

Sigma 4 m 1997 35 EU ENLARGEMENT

In a third look at the accession process in Candidate Countries' NSIs we focus on one of the largest of the six recommended for accession talks ­ Hungary.We asked DR TAMAS KATONA, President of the Central Statistical Office, to give us his point­of­view. tatistics ' Hungarian rhapsody

Dr Katona ...graduated from Leningrad University of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics. He took ms doctor's degree in statistics at Budapest University of Economics.

From 1985 to 1990 he was a member of the Demographic Commission of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and a founder of the Society of Hungarian Statisticians.

He worked in various departments of the CSO up to 1990. He then moved to the Ministry of the Interior as deputy director of the data­processing office.

He became CSO President in May 1995. He aho lectures as assistant professor at Budapest University of Economics, Faculty of Statistics.

' n recent years EU compatibil­ to customs data, both export This is not all. We have also made ƒ ity has been observed in every and import figures include several methodological improve­ stage of the further develop­ products conveyed in and out ments in both branch and social sta­ ment of Hungarian statistics. of customs­free areas (bonded tistics to comply with the require­ warehouses). ments of Eurostat and domestic We have had considerable users. achievements in the following We are adapting financial statis­ areas: But further action is needed. The tics to EU requirements. most important is: ■ We have started compiling and Several elements have been publishing quarterly GDP value. realised but the work is not yet ■ Further development of data col­ complete. lection on small and medium­ ■ For the last two years we have sized enterprises. calculated and published per Considerable progress has been capita GDP values and GDP made by a full survey this sum­ ■ Harmonization of agricultural sta­ values broken down by county. mer and autumn, and now near­ tistics to EU requirements. ly complete, to help compila­ ■ On external trade, there have tion of the register on econom­ ■ Adapting consumer price statis­ been full surveys. So, in addition ic organisations. tics' methodology to EU practice.

36 Sigma 4m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

■ Alteration of industrial units of tistics. Our experience proves in recent years. Individuals to be observation (a pilot survey in the really successful projects are interviewed or particular groups this field was being undertaken those in which experts of the refuse to respond. In household in 1997). donor country or international statistics, for example, many of organisation take into account those with the highest living stan­ ■ Adapting to Eurostat harmo­ both the relative level reached by dards, mainly in the capital, will nized transport statistics to the recipient country and its spe­ not give information on income observe central goods trans­ cial needs. Transition countries and consumption.This may dis­ port. are not equally developed statisti­ tort the data. Non­response rate cally, so their individual needs in in household statistics is higher Strengthening the same area can be different. than in EU countries.

The Hungarian Central Statistical We have received considerable Another problem is we do not Office (HCSO) has had very assistance from, among others, have a full economic register yet. good and close relations with the Statistics Canada and the UK So we can't identify some sam­ EU statistical apparatus for years. ONS (eg in farm registers and ples chosen for surveys: they New challenges are not expect­ transport statistics). have either ceased trading or are ed; rather, we count on strength­ 'phantom' companies. ening our personal relations with We do have less favourable expe­ EU experts. riences: mainly where donor I don't think such problems are countries have tried to pass on unique to Hungarian statistics. Pre­accession focuses the public their experience at joint discus­ And they bear little relationship on a lot of questions. But these sions held with statisticians of to our EU accession, originating are mainly on the economic and other countries. rather from the difficulties of social advantages and, in some transition to a market economy. cases, the limits to be expected. We have no particular problems Statistical questions are not in in adapting to the EU statistical To overcome these problems the the foreground. system. But I should like to sampling network has been emphasise that we wish to har­ renewed and Hungarian statisti­ In its publications, HCSO has monize in a way in which our cians are striving for improve­ issued inter­country comparisons long time­series could be contin­ ments via TV, radio, the press and of time­series for several years. ued. This is not easy. It often direct contact with the citizen, In these, data of EU countries requires more detailed enumera­ for example by publishing our have always been grouped sepa­ tion and grouping than is the case data on the Internet. rately so people can see our rela­ in our observing EU require­ tive position. ments only. How do I see our international role? In our economic and social analy­ However, we must solve this. ses we regularly examine our Long­term time series are a Hungary and its statistics have a relations with various world 'national treasure' for Hungarian good reputation in the Candidate regions, especially the EU. statisticians in the impartial mea­ Countries' 'club'. But we can't Example: we have compared the surement of our development. situation of public and private rest on our laurels: we have to work at it continually.This is why sector employees with that in Good several EU countries. I think it is very important for traditions me and my colleagues to partici­ The scope of international coop­ pate in every possible interna­ eration is far­reaching.We con­ Hungarian statistics have general­ tional statistical forum. Here we sider regional seminars especially ly favourable democratic tradi­ can exchange experiences and important: we organised one for tions. Apart from minor excep­ hear about the problems and CEFTA countries in Budapest this tions, we have always published progress of countries similar to June. all enumerated data. ours.

The Phare programme has had Protection of personal rights has I mean participating not only in several results for Hungarian sta­ gained a more considerable role international meetings but in

Sigma 4m 1997 37 EU ENLARGEMENT

common publications, for exam­ Free ple the quarterly CESTAT bul­ I30YEARSOLD letin. In Hungary, statistics are free of First independent Hungarian sta­ political influence and control. As tistical institute was established Preparation for accession gives HCSO President I participate in in 1848. But a year later it rise to new problems such as sessions of the Government and ceased to exist due to the fail­ conforming to the EU enlarge­ Economic Cabinet and this has two ure of the struggle for indepen­ ment of environmental statistics advantages: dence from Austria. The present or properly­detailed observation office was founded in 1867 in ■ I am able to obtain first­hand of international migration.Thus it the Ministry of Agriculture, information about key topics on is reasonable for groups of inter­ Trade and Industry. ested countries and the interna­ the political agenda and give my tional statistical organisations to view as a statistician. Hungarian statistics soon organise meetings on such topics. became part of the international ■ I have the opportunity of making The HCSO plans an exchange of world of science. A delegation of information on social and eco­ experience on environmental sta­ the Hungarian statistical service nomic processes known to deci­ participated in the work of the tistics in the first half of 1998. sion­makers. International Statistical Such meetings help us maintain Congresses in the Hague in 1869. our international reputation. It is undeniable that, alongside This was the only international these advantages, there is a statistical institution at that One or two other developments requirement for HCSO to supply worth recording: data on some topics more quickly In 1871 a royal decree estab­ that might be the case if I didn't lished an independent national Since last January 1997 we have have a seat at the table! published comprehensive monthly statistical office. First experi­ mental industrial survey was reports monitoring economic In 1997, to improve press relations, conducted by the office in 1871 trends, including short­term fore­ we have introduced a detailed cal­ and first volume of the officiai casts. These are compiled by the endar of release dates that we statistical yearbook issued in Institute of Economic Analyses must observe. 1872. and Informatics of HCSO. Our media contacts are good but The 9th session of International We still face the considerable need to be improved in some Statistical Congresses was held task of improving the national areas. Though statistics are well in Budapest in 1876 as a sign of economic enumeration system represented in the press and on TV international recognition of suc­ cessful operation of the adjusted to SNA and ESA ­ for and radio, individual themes are not Hungarian statistical office. The example, further development of always emphasised in a manner population census of 1880 led to information on foreign invest­ reflecting their importance. It is keen international interest since, ment and updating the accounts well known that 'good' news is not for the first time, individual of some financial transactions. as attractive to the media as com­ enumeration forms were used. This mainly requires information plaints that possibly affect only a from the banks and Ministry of narrow audience. World War II and the period Finance, but HCSO's role is deci­ that followed presented new sive in respect of EU harmoniza­ I wish to develop further the challenges, again necessitating tion. HCSO's PR activity ­ to strengthen fundamental changes both in its professional PR base. statistical practice and theory. It's not really for me to say what A completely new situation we do particularly well or even HCSO publications are available at developed by the nineties. The badly. Such judgements are up to booksellers. We have some very already loosened central planned data­users. But I can record that popular ones ­ for example, our economy was replaced by a pocket books ­ and I am sure sales there has been little justified crit­ market economy with different icism in recent years.The criti­ can be increased by good PR. statistical requirements. The cism there has been relates to run­up to EU membership opens problems we are well aware of, Finally, I hope this article will also yet another chapter in the CSO's for example the bias and distor­ contribute to raising the profile of proud 130­year history. tions of non­response. Hungarian statistics.

38 Sigma 4m 1997 EU ENLARGEMENT

ince January 1996, 17 trainees from the national statistical offices (NSIs) of Central European countries (CECs) have spent periods of up to six months at Eurostat as S trainees.This is all part of the process of familiarising CEC NSIs with the workings of the European statistical system, as they limber up for EU membership. Sigma invited two of them - one from Estonia, the other from Slovenia - to describe their attachment in their own words.

First a young man from Estonia 'An experience not to be missed!9

' y name is ANDRUS M ALBER and I come from a small country, Estonia. Most people don't know where it is. It is the northernmost of the three Baltic states.The capital is Tallinn, situated just 80 km south of Helsinki. I was born in Tallinn 26 years ago and have lived and stud• ied there.

In 1992 I started to work at the Eesti Pank, the Central Bank of Estonia, in the balance of payments department. Like many young peo• ple my age I started work at the same time as studying. It was hard but very interesting because Estonia was at the beginning of political and economic changes.

Probably not many in Europe can say that they worked at a central bank while currency reform was etc. We had tò start our own sys• work in different fields of macro- being undertaken.This reform, in tem. We received a lot of help economic statistics. One field was balance of payments. My col• June 1992 when we stopped using from the IMF and central banks in leagues at the Eesti Pank recom• Russian roubles and put Estonian Finland, Sweden, Austria, Germany mended me.The offer was very kroons into circulation, was very and the Netherlands.The first interesting because it offered the important for the other economic Estonian BoP were compiled in opportunity of an inside look at reforms that followed. November 1992. Since then the system has improved a lot but, as the everyday work of a European in all other countries, it's not per• institution, but also a kind of out• After introducing our own cur• fect (yet!). side look at the work of my col• rency we decided to start compil• leagues in Estonia. It also offered ing Estonian balance of payments Exciting prospect the chance of studying statistical (BoP). In Soviet times, statistics problems in other Candidate were so secret that we didn't In August 1996 Eurostat Countries as well as in EU know how much Estonia was announced they were looking for Member States.The prospect of dependent on international trade five people from Central living for some time outside my in goods, services, investments European countries to come and home country was also exciting.

Sigma 4 m 1997 39 EU ENLARGEMENT

Some months later I was selected improvements to our data collec­ 10 weeks. When we wanted to from other candidates and by the tion and analyses. At the same time invite our family to visit we had to beginning of January 1997 I was I understood that often we have to issue special invitations. They had to already in Luxembourg working in implement our own new systems apply for a visa and then come only Directorate B's BoP unit. of data collection; that we can't for two to four weeks. Once, when simply take over existing systems in I wanted to go by train for a week­ In the first weeks we trainees had Europe (or the world). end in Strasbourg, French border many interesting lectures from Mr control didn't want to let me in David Bond (unit CI) and Mr Brian Nevertheless we can learn a lot because I had a living and work Newson (head of unit B6, quarterly from Member States and other permit for Luxembourg but not a accounts and environmental Candidate Countries. I was very tourist visa for all the Schengen accounts).We also visited the glad to hear from colleagues in countries. At the same time, the European Investment Bank and Eurostat that in the field of BoP we Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Court of Auditors. All this helped are doing many things better than Luxembourg was saying that I didn't us to gain a better picture of how in quite a few Member States. need a special visa for travelling. the EU's institutions work and their relevance to the situation in our Bureaucratic Despite all these problems, I took countries. the opportunity to travel as often difficulties as possible. Luxembourg is a very Main area of work during my seven Besides my everyday work I had good location. In a few hours you months' stay was collecting infor­ the opportunity of solving a lot of can travel to Paris, Brussels, mation about BoP in I I Candidate bureaucratic difficulties with the Strasbourg, Cologne.Trier etc. Countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Commission as well as in When I look back on my seven Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Luxembourg. I (and other trainees months' stay in Luxembourg I'm Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, from Central European countries) very glad that I took the opportu­ Slovakia and Slovenia). In ten, BoP is had a feeling that a lot of people nity. I gained a lot of new experi­ the responsibility of the central don't know how many restrictions ence, both professional and person­ bank and in one the national statis­ people outside the EU face com­ al. I also have many new friends. If tical office. pared to Member State citizens. anybody asks me if they should go For example, the authorisation of and work for a time at Eurostat, I My stay in Luxembourg from our stay in Luxembourg took six to would definitely say YES! January to August was also inter­ esting from the point­of­view of enlargement of the EU. A lot of work was done for preparation of Agenda 2000 and Directorate Β was involved in the statistical annex.This demanded a lot of effort from both national compil­ ers and Eurostat to have data as up­to­date and comparable as possible.

In July, when Agenda 2000 was pub­ lished, I was very glad the reforms in Estonia had been appreciated and we were among the six coun­ tries to be recommended for the first round of enlargement negotia­ tions.

During my stay at Eurostat I received confirmation of my view that changes in statistics at the Bank of Estonia, as well as in other Estonian institutions, were in right direction. We have had many

40 Sigma 4 m ¡997 EU ENLARGEMENT

Next a young woman from Slovenia... only reason for CECs to adopt European statistical standards.The world has become a global market and if you want to evaluate invest• 'I hope to return ' ment in different countries you need comparable data.And comparable I am NATASA data for CECs are demanded by their GORJAN. I am 27 own users as well as those in other and was a macro-eco• countries in Europe and beyond. nomics student at the Faculty of Economy in In Slovenia we had to go through the Ljubljana.At the process of adopting European statisti• Slovenian Statistical cal standards to ensure comparability Office, where I start• of data. But adopting new classifica• ed work in May 1996, tions etc created new problems of I am involved in consistency of time-series. And labour statistics - the changes in the market brought monthly survey on demand for new data and therefore changes in the econo• for new surveys and analyses. my and the labour Cooperation between the NSIs of market CECs and Eurostat is important Development of new projects and Resulting from coop• exchange of experience and knowl• eration between edge in different fields of statistics EFTA and Slovenia, I allow both sides to obtain better had the opportunity and more internationally compara• to go to Luxembourg ble data. as a trainee to learn development of and problems con• about the European statistical system nected with a statistical database.The Eurostat, as a multi-national organisa• and EU/EFTA cooperation in this importance of metadata is well tion, offers many opportunities to field, especially linked to legislation known. On-line presence of metadata meet different people from all the and data collection. in a database is very significant, espe• countries of the EU, learn more cially for understanding and using data about their cultures, exchange all During my stay I worked mainly with for international comparisons. kinds of information, witness differ• the data collection team of unit A5 - ent life styles... I was not the only Technical cooperation with Phare and My participation enabled me under• trainee from CECs working at Tacis Countries.The team collects stand why it is essential that national Eurostat. I met colleagues from data from Central European coun• statistical offices deliver internation• Estonia, the Czech Republic, tries and transforms them into a ally comparable data, as well as pro• Romania, Bulgaria and other coun• CEC database. My main task was to viding meaningful statistics nationally. tries cooperating with Eurostat check and revise methodological The value of coordination and har• through the Phare programme.As notes as well as verify data. monization performed by organisa• we share similar problems connect• tions such as Eurostat and EFTA was ed with our transition to a market As I came to Luxembourg with only a another important lesson. year's work experience, I didn't really economy and the pre-accession process, we always had something to know what to expect. I wanted to Cooperation important learn more about the organisation talk about. and work of EU and EFTA institutions Becoming acquainted with the han• - to observe the internal organisation dling of statistics within the EEA I am really glad I had this opportu• of international organisations and Agreement gave me an overview of nity to spend five months in their role in the process of harmo• the obligations of and relations Luxembourg. I gained valuable work nization in Europe. Of course, I between members of such an organ• experience and a lot of friends. I expected to gain valuable experience isation. Similar relations between really hope I shall have another in statistics and learn more about Eurostat and the national statistical chance to go there and work at Eurostat's work and the statistical sys• offices of CECs are also being estab• Eurostat - but next time as an tems of different countries. lished. But the possibility of future expert from the Statistical Office of Working with A5 I learned about EU membership should not be the the Republic of Slovenia!

Sigma4m 1997 41 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

For his latest profile of a national statistical office, Sigma's JOHN WRIGHT went to the Netherlands to talk to AD ABRAHAMSE (59), Director-General of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Even in this most advanced of NSIs, the preoccupation is with change, as it is throughout the EU statistical community. utch DG grows 'legs' & changes tempo

f we do not give heed to the / start by asking MrAbrahamse to out­ prices, output and productivity of the statistics of the future, there is line CBS's main concerns at present service sector... This requires a lot 7no future for statistics." analytical capacitiy that we do not No surprise. 'To cope with the have at present to a sufficiently high Ad Abrahamse's words in a previ­ important challenges of the future." To extent ous Sigma on the theme Statistics in do this he adopted a reorganisation "Second problem is continuing pres­ the 21st century. plan after his arrival at CBS in 1992 - sure from business to reduce the a plan with the acronym TEM PO. Τ for So I go to his modernistic offices in response burden.This runs counter to timeliness, E for efficiency, M for mod­ sedate Voorburg at The Hague expect­ the desire for new information, of ern, Ρ for professional and O for ing to find a man in tune with change. course. And these things have to be onafhankelijk, the Dutch word for I am not disappointed. Buzz words met in the face of continuing budget independence. -TEMPO, LEGS-abound constraints. "The main challenge is the rapidly- "We are trying to cope with this con­ But I am a little surprised.You don't changing demand for statistics: less glomerate of problems by redesigning expect an urbane DG to ride around unrelated statistics on various sub­ our statistical processes and upgrad­ on a 900cc motor-cycle. (However, jects, more systematic information on ing personnel.We have to·fund the he does redress the balance by play­ certain themes.There is also demand cost from our own budget That ing the church organ.) And he is per­ for better or new indicators on eco­ means we have to reduce the num­ haps more frank in some of his views nomic and social phenomena: globali­ ber of people. Many functions have than one might expect... sation, competitiveness of business, become redundant

42 Signio 4· 1997 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

building a network to find vacancies - Note of independence striking deals with companies and MrAbrahamse describes his back• other government institutions - to ground. "Originally I studied outplace our redundant people econometrics. When I graduated I joined the Econometric Institute in "We're trying to outplace some 300 Rotterdam as a research fellow to 400 people in two years. I think specialising in statistics. After that there's a good chance of success. But I became Professor of Statistics at to do it professionally takes a lot of Rotterdam School of Management time and energy. One problem is and then in the economics faculty. people are not very willing to leave. I was there until 1991 when asked They've been here for 10 or 20 years to become Director-General of and ask 'Why should we?' CBS. "At present there are 2,400 staff. We "My particular specialisation was aim at 2,100. We want to outplace the linear model -lam more statisti• some 400 and attract 150 new peo• cian than economist. That's perhaps ple of higher quality. why I was asked to head CBS: there in management and control, not in were not so many with my combina• statistics. We have a Central "Half the personnel work are here in tion of economics and statistics and Commission for Statistics that Voorburg and half at Heerlen in the experience in management as a dean decides on the statistical programme south. Heerlen was established in of a Faculty of Economics. " on the basis of our proposals, and the 1973 as part of government employ• Minister can't influence this process. ment policy after closure of the I ask how he came to get the job? The Government can ask us to com• mines pile certain statistics but the "I was asked; it wasn 't advertised. I Commission decides if they are com• think that's usually the case in the "Our policy is to try to find every• piled — and the time they are pub• Netherlands with such posts: they're one another job. Otherwise we have lished and so on. a little 'hidden '. Perhaps my prede• to pay them a pension, so that does• cessor suggested me or the "So my relations with the Economics n't help very much — we would have Secretary-General of the Department Minister are very superficial. The to fire four people to afford one new of Economics. But we are not a very Cabinet has been governing for one.And it's not very good social pol- big country so people know each. " about four years and I've met him icy." only twice. That's quite different from Is it a political appointment? other countries. The main reason for What sort of new people is he trying to "No, not at all. Ministers are not a Ministerial connection is to have attract? involved. There's a clear distinction someone politically responsible for between CBS and the Ministry. Our statistics to answer questions in "In particular those who have just fin• relationship with the Ministry is only Parliament. " ished university. I think the majority should come from the quantitative "It is no longer necessary, for Constant budget sciences. In 1996 we recruited some instance, to type figures from paper 20 young graduates. We use it as a questionnaires into the computer, By how much has his budget been pool from which we make permanent because a lot of information-gath• reduced? appointments. It's relatively easy to ering is now electronic. But all recruit clever young graduates these people are on our payroll Abrahamse: "It's not really reduced because in the field of academic and first we must outplace them but kept constant Our workforce is research in the Netherlands jobs are before we have money to attract growing older so they are earning difficult to find at present" new analytical people. more each year for which we are only partly compensated. I think this How does he characterise the différence "So we are completely redesigning is a problem with the whole govern• between old and new staff? the Bureau, auditing each statistical ment sector in the Netherlands - too process to see if it meets quality stan• little mobility.We have appointed one "It's really a matter of increasing a dards - whether it is efficient in of our Directors as Director of part of the workforce we have terms of its response burden. Mobility. He spends four days a week already.We now have 40% academic

Sigma 4 m 1997 43 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

people and the aim is to increase this. 'These young people are selected think within two or three months And, of course, we could profit from also on the basis of their personal they will agree and staff restructuring a lot of new staff familiar with latest capacities — if, in future, they may will go ahead." insights and techniques. become, for instance, a head of department It's not enough any more / want to know if, despite all this, most "A big difference could be they will be to be a very clever statistician.You people think CBS a good place to work? much younger. Average age now is 43 have to have a good personality and or so. which should decrease a lot" communication skills.As there is now "I think for new people it is interest• a large supply in the jobs market it is ing because it's not a good time to / note that in many NSIs that I visk possible to make that selection. work in universities: they have very senior managers are much younger than Hitherto it was customary to appoint little money and you have a large they used to be.What about CBS? the best statistician as head of depart• teaching burden and little time for Abrahamse: "In 1992 we replaced ment" research. So it's easy for us to get nearly the whole management We good graduates. But I think people Ada van Krimpen, CBS had a rather hierarchical pyramid who have worked here for a long International Relations Officer, who is structure and decided to transform it time in the lower ranks are not so sitting in on the interview, adds: into a flatter organisational structure. well satisfied.They don't like all these "People are chosen on the basis of We let all heads of department apply changes. multi-criteria, multi-attitudes, social for the new functions and a lot of attitudes..." younger people got the jobs and "We have three levels of manage• many old heads left Average age of ment divisional managers, sector In CBS, they explain, there is a per• management is not so high. But you heads and task group heads. Many of sonnel committee of people from know, Dutch people are growing the managers are relatively new in trade unions and independent mem• rather old..." their jobs and most are rather bers chosen every three years. change-oriented. But you also find Good personality quite a few people who have worked Abrahamse: "They have a rather wanted here 20 years or more and find it dif• important position: you have to ask ficult to change - not all, but a lot What qualities does he look for when their advice on certain key decisions, And communication from top to bot• recruiting those who will be in the driving and rf you don't follow it they can tom is always somewhat of a prob• seat of Dutch statistics in the next mil• object legally.We strive to cooperate, lem." lennium? of course; we know you can't suc• ceed in a professional organisation if In many ways, especially in staff han• people are not willing to work to a dling, adds Abrahamse, although common end. But it's not always easy. part of the Civil Service, "we act as a It takes time. business, as a firm - only we can't go bankrupt!" "The committee deals with every• thing affecting personnel. If I want to So do they raise part of the budget reorganise the Bureau this will have themselves? long-term consequences for the staff and I have to ask their advice. But I "Our principle is we pay for our am not obliged to follow it" activities from public funds. But some• times there are third parties who What does the personnel committee want particular statistics not consid• mink of the planned redundancies? ered as part of our core business.We often gather these if they pay for "We are negotiating with them. I am them. trying to persuade them to agree with the main aims of our business "At present we earn some 8% of the plan and I am promising I shall not budget this way and by selling publica• fire anyone without offering a job tions etc. But we are not very com• outside. mercial. Our principle is we shall not let this rise above 10% of the budget "The problem is not every committee because we want to avoid becoming member thinks the same way. But I dependent on statistics users."

44 Sigma 4 m 1997 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

He illustrates the dangers thus: "A developments, statistical program­ developed a lot of econometric Minister wanted a large research pro­ ming, new methods of automation, expertise. ject He asked if he could have the better means of cooperation "Before that our advantage was cen­ micro-records for additional research between NSIs, technical cooperation, tralisation — almost from our begin­ and a preview before publication.We and, of course, a lot of statistical ning in 1899. And we were always don't want to be placed in such a areas. So, if you want to know some­ regarded as very trustworthy and position. We have some kind of trust thing about sampling theory, for precise." - some kind of authority in the instance, everybody knows you can country - that we publish everything come to CBS." But van Krimpen interjects: "By at the same moment for everyone, the end of the '80s there were also with no special privileges for Ada van Krimpen adds: "We have some negative noises about CBS - Ministers. substantial input into the Tacis and too dull, not open enough. External Phare programmes, and we've been relations were not flexible. "The Minister said 'Well, if you're not trying to change the system a little: willing, there are some competitors. more framework operations with "Transformation from the hierarchi­ We can ask a marketing bureau'. It clearly-defined goals instead of ad cal structure resulted, in fact from was a project of some millions of hoc action.We've been trying to the feeling that we were not client- guilders. If we lose such a project we develop a kind of system-building in friendly enough - too inward-look­ have problems.The tendency is to the framework of technical coopera­ ing and focused on our products." give in. It's a slippery slope." tion. We have a large project on national accounts for the Asian Abrahamse: "But such change has Good EU 'player' Development Bank in lndonesia.And occurred in every sector of govern­ my colleague Ronald Luttikhuizen Changing the subject - which is clearly ment. We are all now trying to listen has organised a seminar under the at the forefront of his mind -1 ask: Is to the 'clients'. United Nations umbrella on best CBS a good EU 'player'? ways of technical cooperation — "Our scientific reputation was always Abrahamse: "Our position in the what works and what doesn't" very good but we were not always Community statistical system and in supplying what users wanted. We relation to foreign colleagues is great­ Statistics & the Big Mac were more or less prescribing what ly influenced by our position within was good for society.That's no the Netherlands, and that's rather "Statistics are indeed a fairly longer possible." strong. complex product. If McDonalds needs many pages of text to But you're not perfect yet? "Perhaps this is due to having a high­ properly define the quality of a ly-centralised official statistical system. Big Mac, which is, with all due "No, not yet!" Government officials, business people respect, just a bun with a ham­ burger inside, it is no wonder and public usually accept the authori­ So let's discuss some imperfections... that it takes a whole book to ty of CBS on economic growth, price properly describe, say, the quali­ changes, and so on.They are also "We need a good measurement of ty of the consumer price index, aware, I think, that statistics are never service sector output Then there's let alone the quality of the so perfect that they can't be criti­ some discussion about the quality of national accounts." - quote the CPI. cised; but they trust CBS to do a from CBS paper on quality man­ good job, and that's because we have agement in statistics. highly-qualified staff. "One problem is lack of timeliness. We have such a good scientific habit "This is also the basis of our interna­ So, α strong international position based we want everything precise and reli­ tional contribution.We have many on a firm foundation at home - has able; but there is a trade-off between people who lead in their field and CBS always had such a good reputa­ this and timeliness. It's difficult to are anxious to extend their knowl­ tion? make people see timeliness as only a edge to others. So we are trying in dimension of quality — that you have this way to contribute to the devel­ Abrahamse: "After the war we to strike a balance. opment of the Community statistical developed a kind of econometric system." tradition concentrated in the "Switching from paper question­ Central Planning Bureau which was naires to electronic data-gathering He goes on: "The subjects we are constructing models for which CBS demands so much attention that we most interested in are institutional had to deliver basic data. So we can't always publish statistics in time.

Sigma 4 m 1997 45 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

Statistics on the labour market are problems...of matching but also of figures for Intrastat that are not all a case in point. If you combine data confidentiality. that important but required by from administrative registers and "Also at present we're obliged Eurostat This also affects our time­ questionnaires you get a lot of to produce a lot of detailed liness."

Ada van Krimpen says: they get a request from the "We are introducing a CBS CtlrΘΘ Ltli Commission, pass it to NSIs new way of cooperation and everyone complains and called LEGS (leadership says they can't do it ­ it's too groups). This means the complicated too expensive Statistical Programme etc. Then Eurostat has to go Committee (SPC) of back to the DG and say 'No Eurostat gives develop­ ­ we want to but Member ment of certain statistical States are not willing ', so its areas to NSIs and makes position becomes rather use of their expertise, complicated Eurostat could instead of all the work profit much more from our being done by Eurostat. experience by consulting NSIs first so it could offer an "We think this is only the information system to DGs. " beginning. We have now Abrahamse: "It will not be started three LEGs ­ on easy to invent an efficiem the Euro, health statistics system to cope with all this and cultural statistics. We NSl knowledge arriving at think that in future we Eurostat. But the problem of should make more use of knowing what data are new and more natural available in Member States, ways of cooperation, not what they can do, are willing only in Europe but more to do etc is heavily underes­ globally. timated..." "We think networking is Both agree expectations more the keyword are rather unrealistic at instead of the present times, with Eurostat top­down approach. But Van Krimpen: "Every NSl has a lot of "sometimes prescribing ways that it implies a change in attitude expertise in statistics for certain prove impossible". both by Eurostat and other supra­ national phenomena ­ what works, national organisations and also what doesn't ­ and we think Eurostat LEGS ¿s a Dutch idea based on CBS by NSIs: that we should look more could make more use of this. experiences in performing consultan­ at what's needed at national and cies for Eurostat. Van Krimpen "Wlxat we see now is that Eurostat international level. " again: "It's complicated because gets a request from a Directorate­ Eurostat might think it conflicts with General of the Commission for a very Abrahamse: "I think it is underes­ its authority and right of initiative. timated how much you have to detailed information system, so they present a list with lots of variables, at invest in communication for the "We're trying to show them it is not a very detailed level, to NSIs and ask Community statistical system to necessary to have such conflict ­ that them to provide information. And of work. We now have a lot of prob­ using NSl expertise is more efficient; course, all NSIs are not in a position lems in SPC because papers that there is no intention to downplay to do so. arrive too late, are not discussed the role of Eurostat. well enough before meetings...and "In the very early stages of projects this occurs not because Eurostat we think NSIs could offer their expe­ "Understandably, it's a very sensitive doesn 't want it to work but rience in providing data in such issue. But Eurostat are being very because of a real problem of com­ areas. This could be very profitable supportive. They see the advantage munication. " for Eurostat, we thutk, because now more now. "

46 Sigma 4 m 1997 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

Relations with the Commission, would the 'This is too low.We have to under• Eurostat Commission be willing to pay as take a lot of analysis to make difficult much as they do now? Or would estimates to form some reliable idea they compile their own statistics, of the degree of unemployment and Which bring us to CBS's relationship with forming statistical groups within DGs? so on.This low response is worse Eurostat than in any other country and we "So you should be careful. And Mr have no good insight into the reasons. "I don't think it's so easy because the Franchet is careful! Some people say it's the character of position of Eurostat itself is difficult the Dutch people. But I can't From an institutional point-of-view it "But on the whole, cooperation believe they are so different from isn't really independent it's part of the works well and we hope we are a the Belgians, the Germans and the Commission.We are accustomed to particularly influential member of the British. We plan some serious making our own plans - to decide on European statistical system." research into the problem. the basis of statistical arguments - whereas Eurostat has the first draft of Statistical 'black hole' its programme initiated by the "The labour force survey is the basis Commission.The Commission draws for many other statistics, so that is this up more or less on the basis of We turn to the Dutch attitude towards one of our critical 'stones'. If that is policy needs rather than statistical statistics. I observe that the Dutch are bad, we have a shaky 'building'. arguments. precise people. Does that make them good respondents to statistical inquries? "We are trying to repair things by combining data from different "So I think one of the problems Is Abrahamse: "We have very good sources and making them consistent that even if Eurostat agree with us relations with statistics-users.We with each other. But it is not a very they are not always free to follow us. work on this very hard with an active happy situation.We think some of Now we are trying to improve coop• press office. We are very well known the responses are selective and that eration by all kinds of formal and in the country. information is particular bad for cer• informal actions - to persuade tain groups in society - the poor, Eurostat to make more use of the "But the people who have to provide poorly-educated, older people... knowledge present in NSIs.The staff us with data are a bit of a problem. of our International Relations Office, Business is obliged to supply us with "At present we are working on like Ada van Krimpen, are key figures information to a large extent but indi• constructing a statistical social file in that area - our 'watchers' of viduals are not So our personal ques• to include all Dutch people.We Eurostat!. tionnaire response rate at present is start from the population register around 50% to 70%. "Eurostat does its best I think we and then introduce all kinds of data must realise that such prob• from questionnaires. So we get sev• lems can't be solved eral thousand complete overnight records and several million incomplete ones - people "There is improvement I in the population register think.When I came on the but not interviewed. scene there was hardly any CBS influence on Eurostat "The latter are completed But now the cooperation by imputation. At micro- with Mr Franchet [Director- level the records might be General of Eurostat] and his inaccurate but, at a certain staff is quite positive. If they level of aggregation, the can come to an agreement tables give good information. with us, they do. It's a flexible system so we "But things are still not per• can make different matrixes: fect There is a danger in labour by job and labour by making Eurostat an education and so on autonomous institution because the Commission "This is being constructed holds the purse strings. If now as a substitute for the Eurostat did not 'belong' to 2001 census."

Sigma4m 1997 47 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

Following Mrs Thatcher

We turn to important trends in Dutch society that CBS is picking up...

Says Abrahamse: "I think the most important trend I notice is the ten• dency to let the market steer the economy. Some in Parliament think we should abolish some of our monthly statistics.They say there is now much less regulation and that it's not necessary to monitor the devel• opment of the economy every month; that if you do it every quarter, that's enough and reduces the inter• view burden considerably. If they suc• ceed we shall have quite a different work programme. HiStOriCãl flOte *** Abrahamse with two predecessors "That is connected to an economic trend in society - less regulation, less "We celebrate our centennial in 1999", says Abrahamse. national but more global monitoring. "CBS began in 1899 by Royal Decree and developed from a small office. By "What they have in mind are statistics 1980 there were nearly 3,000 employees. for which business has to provide information - on profits, investments "There was a Central Statistical Commission from 1892 or so. The Bureau etc - not particularly those based on started as a sort of implementing instrument ofthat committee. A model was personal interviews with the public. I created that still exists with the Commission deciding the programme and the think the move is initiated by the Bureau making the statistics. business sector. "The Director-General is solely responsible for methods to produce the sta• "If you look at big companies the tistics and the manner and timing of publication. The Minister decides the people using or asking for statistics budget and those providing basic data are quite different. So it may be that big "In 1996 the Decree was replaced by a law. At the same time the Central companies are a little ambiguous in Commission was reduced from 50 members to 11. Formerly they represented, this respect But the medium and Ministries, planning bureaux, trade unions, employers' organisations etc small business sector in particular is Now they are independent people who are expected to know the kind of sta• very much inclined to have the tistics society needs. So it's more like a firm's board of directors. response burden reduced.This is a very important trend." "There haven't been very many changes in die system so we have a very sim• ple history, apart from a degree of increasing centralisation. But some cities, Other trends... such as Amsterdam, have their own statistical departments. "

"The constancy of our budget is Social trends? he or she leaves school and how they hardly a trend. But up to 1982 it was progress subsequently. rising, with an expectation that you "A small number of people are could gather all statistics you consid• becoming richer and richer and quite ered necessary and ask the Minister a lot are becoming poorer and poor• "We have too little information at for money and get it but that's now er. So there's some pressure on the present on this sector of society - over. So if we want to do more we Bureau for more information on the the so-called 'underclass'.Ten years have to do less elsewhere or become lower end of society.This has given an ago it was no great problem. more efficient That applies to every impetus to greater attention on social Everybody could pay his or her NSl in Europe, I know." dynamics: looking at someone when rent and clothe themselves. Now

48 Sigino 4 m 1997 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

"Environmental statistics are an area reen note in which we are rather advanced", says Abrahamse. We are working closely with other institutions in the Netherlands to connect our national accounts to environmental conse­ quences. This is not so popular in the ΛΙΛ country at present because the econ­ omy is booming and people are more interested in economic growth than environmental consequences. But that's true everywhere, 1 think. "The Government is trying to prove a booming economy can coexist with protection of the environment. But r, there are some people who don't f"¡~¿% r Vr*­l v* r­lfr believe this and say every economic $*\7- activity means you are using some r i environmental resources. "It's a small country but we are push­ In matters green, the Dutch are f ing a lot of our waste over the bor­ "We have been a transit country they are slaughtered we bring the ders, you know", he laughs. since the 17th century ­ trans­ meat back, and so on. " Talking of a booming economy, I porting food and, of course, at say, wherever you go in Europe one time, slaves ­ and now we are We agree modern life has its mys­ there seems to be a Dutch lorry. taking pigs to Spain and when teries! we do have a problem and CBS is In this respect Mr Abrahamse and I kept it up because sometimes asked for data. clearly has difficulty with Eurostat's traffic is so heavy that with a motor­ well­publicised European Community cycle you gain a lot of time." This is a "The 'underclass' has always been Household Panel (ECHP) survey with surprise. rather small here with no great its 60,000­household sample and har­ income inequality. But society is now But less unexpected: "I also play the monized questionnaire. becoming much more unequal." church organ. I did so in a village "The problem is Eurostat uses this where I used to live but I moved 10 Why? information to make statements years ago, so now I try to keep up by about particular regions which are "Deregulation.The last three playing the piano. But there is a not very well based. Perhaps you Cabinets have followed Mrs church ­ there with a green roof..." know that there was quite a lot of Thatcher's dictum that price level is ­ he points out of the window ­ critisism of Eurostat about using this the best indicator for allocation of "where I have the opportunity to play. panel information to make state­ resources, so we should hinder the So sometimes, when I have time, I go ments about poverty. So this is not a market as little as possible.This there at lunchtime and play for an very good source of detailed informa­ means you take away a lot of protec­ hour or so. tion on discrete groups ­ not good tion from weak people. It increases enough for policy­making." the profits of big companies and their "CBS is a very time­consuming job. managers, and these people are But when I leave in about five years becoming richer.And they pay their Personal note or so I shall invest much more time employees a lot In other areas peo­ So how does this very serious Director­ in organ­playing." ple are paid very little and their social General with so much on his plate relax security is reduced, and so on. when his statistical day is done? What better note on which to end to end my interview with 'This affects old people, poor people, "My most striking hobby is that I the man preparing one of the those without incomes, those with drive a motorcycle ­ a 900cc blue­ EU's most advanced NSIs for black or illegal incomes; and in such and­white Yamaha; sometimes to the challenges of the 21 st cen­ areas it's difficult to get statistics." work. I did it when I was a student tury?

Sigma 4 m 1997 49 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

In this article, the Central Director for Statistics on Institutions and Businesses at ISTAT - the Italian national statistical office - describes... census 'revolution' in Italy by Enrico Giovannini

in the productive fabric continuously the ASIA register.These are to be and trace the characteristics of busi­ returned to the territorial network of nesses and their position in the mar­ chambers of commerce and ISTAT ket offices, which will collect and verify the answers. Large companies divided To conduct this operation, ISTAT is into many branches are receiving a using the information platform and computer questionnaire already filled central and peripheral organisation of in for return to the ISTAT headquar- the Statistical Register of Active ters.AII collection centres will be Businesses (ASIA).This is a databank connected through the telecommuni­ of more than 3,500,000 businesses, cations network to a single database. constructed on the basis of informa­ From here the final version of the tion already with the Institute and ASIA archive, as of 31 December supplemented by data from the 1996, will be generated, starting April Finance Ministry, National Institute of 1998. Social Security, National Institute for At this point the second stage of data Industrial Accident Insurance, cham­ collecting in the field begins.A ques­ bers of commerce and National Γ n October 1997, ISTAT tionnaire goes to all companies with a Electricity Board. launched its first intermediate number of employees over a certain / census of industry and service threshold (varying from sector to A version of the ASIA archive from sector businesses as on 31 sector). It goes also to a sample of the end of 1995 has already been cre­ December 1996. the smallest ones to collect organisa­ ated, and by the time this article is tional and structural information published there should also be a tem­ This is the first five-year update of (market share, organisation of pro­ porary version up to 31 December the census information base, previ­ ductive processes etc). 1996. Immediately afterwards, a two- ously done every decade. Above all, it stage of operation was scheduled to To reduce the burden of collecting represents a 'revolution' in the way a begin throughout the country. information, the questionnaire goes census is conceived and carried out only to business headquarters. They About 700,000 businesses are complete it for single or local units, as The census uses innovative methods involved in the first stage ending in the case may be. and techniques. It takes advantage of March 1998.This will include busi­ administrative information already nesses with over 50 employees; multi­ Census results will be available next registered with various public institu­ ple branch businesses regardless of summer. Data on the structural tions and companies, together with size; single branch businesses with aspects of the businesses, collected data stored in ISTAT databanks.This fewer than 50 employees; and a sam­ mainly with reference to 1997, will be limits the necessity of field opera­ ple of more than 100,000 businesses disseminated in summer 1999, tions, reducing to a minimum both without employees, and of indepen­ together with the update of the response time and the burden on dent professionals whose information archive to 31 December 1997. businesses. is already available but not completely consistent Highly innovative Goal is to verify the number of busi­ nesses and local units in a world These businesses are being sent a The databank, updated annually from evolving with extreme rapidity.This questionnaire, already partially com­ now on, will offer a kind of continu­ makes it necessary to follow changes pleted on the basis of information in ous census of the legal-economic

50 Sigma 4 m 1997 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

units of the country.This will have positive repercussions for the entire system of economic statis• tics, in terms of integration of information collected, better defini• tion of samples used and reduced resenting burden on businesses. Fine-tuning of the databank system statistics for will provide integrated and updated information involving minimum effort by suppliers. In addition, the a modern Ireland quality of data - which companies use as well as provide - will be by Charlie Weston, Irish CSO media adviser improved. Finally, because all the businesses are connected in admin• istrative, fiscal and social security networks, integration of collected data will allow clear identification of each business and all its branches. This will be independent of the physical location where it carries out production.

Data access will be through dissem• ination of paper and computer materials. In addition, there will be consultation of databases via telecommunications links through the network of decentralised ISTAT offices. Specific products construct• ed from census data will be avail• able from new databanks being developed, accessible also through the Internet

The census operation is highly innovative. It takes place in a frame• work of reviewing and developing economic statistics. Primary objec• tives are both to reduce the bur• den on businesses and to improve Launching the new corporate ¡mage: from left-to-right - CSO Director- the means of returning information. General Donai Murphy, Minister of State Seamus Brennan, and Chair of the National Statistics Board Professor Frances Ruane The commitment, as always during 'reland's Central Statistics enough to allow for continued use census-taking, is high. But the Office (CSO) has launched a of EU colour-coding for different return in terms of information ben• / new corporate image by putting subject matters. efiting the country is also high.The greater emphasis on customer rela• cooperation of everyone involved The CSO, which employs 500 peo• tions and radically altering the way in the national operation is, natu• ple in both Dublin and Cork, has it presents its regular data. rally, the fundamental element of also transformed the presentation success: for the census itself - and, It engaged a team of design consul• of its regular statistical releases. It more generally, for the develop• tants to come up with a new cor• now highlights the most important ment of a national statistical sys• porate look and has adopted the results and presents them on the tem ever more able to support slogan Statistics for a modern Ireland. front page, written in a non-techni• economic and social development Part of this is a new logo flexible cal way.

Sigma 4 m 1997 51 FOCUS ON MEMBER STATES

The CSO began moving to this friendly and particularly help our Promoting those statistics and pre• new user-friendly system in April friends in the media, where a heavy senting them in a user-friendly man• 1997 with a newspaper journalist workload and time constraints ner are essential parts of the equa• employed on short-term contract. might not always allow time to tion." The new-style releases follow many pore over tables searching for sto• of the recommendations by John ries. Knowing the Irish media would Wright, former Head of Press hardly turn up for the mere launch "All in all we are confident that Relations for the UK CSO (now of a new corporate image, the CSO these changes will add to the value the Office for National Statistics) produced a special thematic release and usefulness of our releases." and now a consultant who writes on Women in the workforce as a news 'peg' to generate media interest in Eurostat's news releases and works 'More human face' for Sigma. Wright was consulted by the launch. the Irish about ways of improving The new format was launched for• This newsy report on Irish women's the presentation of their statistics. mally at a press reception on 22 rapidly-increasing participation in the September 1997 by the Minister of labour force, presented in the new For example, releases now have a State at the Department of the style, generated lots of headlines. short table on the front giving Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Seamus Journalists mentioned the new image headline figures at-a-glance.There is Brennan TD also greater use of graphs to show in their stories. recent trends. Welcoming the new look, he com• mented: "In a rapidly-changing world, All main Irish newspapers carried a Novel departure the CSO is better preparing itself to story on the report Popular radio present statistics for a modern programmes debated the findings Ireland. Today it is unveiling a new and there was a four-minute item in In another novel departure, staff logo; it is adopting a friendlier pre• TV news reports. responsible for compiling the statis• sentation style for its statistical tics are listed with their telephone releases; and it is presenting a more As part of its drive to present a numbers to make them more human face to the public. CSO with a human face, rather a accessible to the media. collection of faceless bureaucrats, a 'These are developments I whole• media pack issued at the launch Under the guidance of senior CSO heartedly welcome because accurate profiled key personalities.There statistician Adrian Redmond, new and objective statistics which are were photographs and details of layout and printing standards recom• trusted by the public underpin the areas of responsibilities of the mended by the design consultants functioning of a democracy. Director-General and the four who created the new logo have Directors and pictures and mini- been introduced on all releases.This profiles of a random selection of is a vast improvement and has given staff from a wide cross-section of them a fresh and uniform look. the organisation.

All the changes have been guided CSO's efforts to seek greater by Director Bill Keating who set up exposure received a generally and chaired a media relations warm reception from media people working group. and non-specialist users. Comments like "It's great to read the main Despite the alterations to the sta• news points immediately rather tistical releases there is no loss of than searching through tables" detail. Specialist users still have all were typical. the variables and retrospection they have come to expect from Now the CSO is considering CSO releases. whether to establish its own press office rather than using the Speaking at the launch of the new Government Information "Service image, CSO Director-General for dissemination. One advantage Donai Murphy told his audience at would to emphasise further the Dublin Castle: "We hope this will independence from Government make the material more user- The release issued at the launch that CSO is guaranteed in law.

52 Sigma 4m 1997 FOCUS ON EUROSTAT

It is now exactly 10 years since Yves Franchet was appointed Director-General of Eurostat. Sigma's FONS THEIS talked to him to take stock of this hugely-influential period in the development of Eurostat and the European statistical system - and to look into the future. tatistics driven by integration

FT: Your career before Eurostat was given fresh impetus to the work of While there is still progress to be neither in statistics nor in public Eurostat and the European satistical made, Community statistics are now administration. You worked in a busi• system. a point of reference at European ness environment, responsible for pro• and international level and appreci• ject evaluation and introduction of FT: Any negative impressions? ated for their independence, neu• management systems.What struck trality and objectivity. Eurostat has you most when you joined Eurostat? YF: Yes, the inadequacies of the also raised its political profile in Commission's structure, which, areas such as the discussion on YF: First, the European over the course of the years, have applying the convergence criteria Commission's role as the power• resulted in considerable waste of that form the decisive parameters house of European integration, par• human resources, despite the for joining Economic and Monetary ticularly through its right of initia• exceptional quality of the people Union.Valued for its autonomy and tive in the field of legislation. No recruited. impartiality, Eurostat has, according other international organisation can to the Wall Street Journal, evolved rely on such a powerful driving FT: Would it be fair to assume that from an Office for boring statistics' force.Then there are the various your appointment as Director-General into a 'watchdog' body. Treaties - the Single Act, Maastricht came with a specific mandate? the Treaty of Amsterdam - which, New framework despite their imperfections, have YF: My mandate was quite clear: given impetus to the integration Eurostat was to claim its rightful FT: Eurostat now works within a new process. Over time, the place within the Community struc• legislative framework? Commission as an institution and ture; give priority to developing its the Community's basic legislation activities vis-à-vis institutional, eco• YF: Yes, indeed, a framework that have succeeded in pushing aside nomic and private users; and provides a consolidated basis for blinkered national attitudes to pro• mobilise all its workforce to our work, since the Treaty of mote a genuine Community spirit achieve the objectives set. Amsterdam now contains a special that transcends simple national article on statistics. The new'statis• interests. FT: How would you judge Eurostat's tical law' adopted in February 1997 progess over these last 10 years? and a subsequent Commission Another striking feature for me is Have the objectives now been Decision help define and consoli• the unique approach to building the attained? date our working environment. Community. Respect is shown for the different characteristics of indi• YF: I think it is up to others to offer FT: What obstacles have you come up vidual Member States and each, an objective appraisal. For my part I against? regardless of its size, enjoys the can confirm that the volume and same rights and can put forward its scope of our activities have mush- YF: One of the main ones was own arguments within the deci• roomed.Together with our partners the slow pace of administrative sion-making process. in Member States, we have also suc• procedures. I have discovered cessfully met the challenge of con• that, unfortunately, adapting struc• The field of statistics has felt the stantly improving the comparability tures and changing behaviour full impact of this move towards of our statistics - thanks mainly to takes a good deal more time than integration. Each step forward has our efforts in harmonization. I thought.

Sigma 4 m 1997 53 FOCUS ON EUROSTAT

FT: Hence the idea for a corporate planning project in Eurostat? Yves Franchet. ... has been Director-General of YF: Having been struck by the Eurostat, Statistical contrast between Eurostat's poten• Office of the tial and strengths on one hand and European administrative inflexibility on the Communities, since other, I wanted to waste no time in July 1987. setting up a major project of this type. At the start I even thought Before this he had that it could be implemented with• been Vice- out any outside help. But, faced President/Controller with the facts, it became apparent at the Inter- to me that assistance from external American experts was essential if it was to be Development Bank carried out properly. in Washington since September 1983. The aim is not just to make ongo• ing improvements to our operat• Between 1980 and ing procedures in order to adapt 1983 he was to an environment characterised Deputy Director of by radical change, but also to the European head• work more effectively with limited quarters of the resources. For Eurostat this means World Bank in moving more and more towards Paris. providing services that meet From 1977 to 1980 users' needs, and considering total Mr Franchet was quality as a fixed standard, thereby Director of both the harnessing the extraordinary Ecole nationale de potential of all those who work la statistique et de here. But these objectives can l'administration only be accomplished fully with économique the close cooperation of all (ENSAE) and the Eurostat's partners in the Centre européen de formation des statisticiens et des économistes des European statistical system. pays en voie de développement (CESD), both with headquarters in Paris. FT: The role played by the ESS should also continue to evolve? Before that he was in charge of the technical assistance programmes of the Institut national de statistique et des études économiques YF: A great deal of the work by (INSEE), the French national statistical office, from 1974 to 1977. national statistical institutes is Between 1968 and 1974 he was an economist at the World Bank, and now determined by Community from 1965 to 1968 Head of the Economics and Statistics Department statistical requirements. Links have of the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC) in been gradually strengthened to Brazzaville, Congo. the point where cooperation is exemplary. We now need to In his career Mr Franchet has worked in many countries of Latin undertake new qualitative America, Africa and Europe. changes. Eurostat will certainly He was born on 4 March 1939. After graduating from the Ecole continue to play a prominent role Polytechnique de Paris in 1961, he obtained a master's degree in as the catalyst - even ushering in economics from the University of Paris in 1963. This was followed in the changes. But we should also 1964 by the diploma of the Ecole nationale de la statistique ef de work gradually towards greater l'administration économique de Paris in statistics and economics. power-sharing throughout the network, thus changing the way He is married with two children. cooperation unfolds.

54 Sigino 4 m 1997 FOCUS ON EUROSTAT Or on Ρ*εν, au Afte 4sta, y«* tu, <*mc **4^^XZ***'giha the'*< eKr^y^ 199, is *s. S *«es Sf and s tati s *ti,s Pfi, tics öc^ '*8 *0j «Seife?7-*5* edstat establishes new ties for statisticians

by Luca Ascoli*

he first Medstat manage­ ment committee meeting was Τhel d in Malta on 24­26 June A1997 h. e

The committee comprises the European Commission and the director­generals of the statistical offices of the EU and the 12 Mediterranean countries of Medstat'. After the Valencia and Naples seminars that laid the foun­ dations of Medstat, it was the first time these countries (Switzerland and Norway included) had come together to discuss the practical issues of the programme and debate its future.There was a series of decisions on future activi­ tion and solidarity in keeping with network (CESD Communautaire, ties and three different guiding the privileged nature of the links CESD Paris, CESD Rome, CESD principles. forged by neighbourhood and his­ Madrid, CESD Lisbon, and CDG tory". Munich and TES). In the next few The conference was opened by the months Medstat activities would Hon Mr Leo Brincat, Minister of Latest developments intensify significantly. Finance and Commerce of Malta, It was reported that recent activities MrYves Franchet, Eurostat It was reported that task forces on had included a bulletin on short­term Director­General, and Mr A external trade, training, migration economic indicators. Eurostat issued Camilleri, Director­General, and transport had met and agreed it for the first time in March 1997 Maltese National Statistical Office. on a series of activities. Other task with several thousand widely distrib­ forces were to meet in the coming uted within the Commission, EU Mr Franchet said: "At the last two months. Member States and the Euro­Med seminars the aim above all Mediterranean countries. It was also was to discuss the aims and objec­ There had been a series of mis­ distributed to participants in the sec­ tives. Now, of course, a number of sions to all 12 Medstat countries by ond Euro­Med conference in Malta. priorities have been established and experts from many EU NSIs.This This followed the Barcelona confer­ some activities already started." had enabled Eurostat to form an ence and was organised at Foreign overall picture of the quality of sta­ Affairs Minister level. Mr Brincat refered to the tistics, assess needs and propose Barcelona Summit's stress on the new areas to be covered. In addition, a seminar on New tech­ strategic importance of the nologies for the 2000 census round: Mediterranean and the will of par­ Medstat was to be supported ­ for * Mr Ascoli is in charge of the Medsiai project for Euroslal ticipating states "to give their the first time in a project of such future relations a new dimension importance and wide geographical 1) Algeria. Cyprus. Egypt. Israel. Jordan. Lebanon. Malla. Morocco. Palestine. Syria. Tunisia and based on comprehensive coopera­ coverage ­ by the complete CESD Turkev

Sigma 4m 1997 55 FOCUS ON EUROSTAT

sharing the Israeli experience from the would be used and at least six a seminar on informal sectors of 1995 population and housing census training courses or seminars in the economy in the context of was organised jointly by Eurostat Arabic organised Mediterranean countries would and the Israeli NSl. be organised by the Italian NSl statistical dissemination would be tackled jointly in the task Main decisions taken a new task force and work pro­ force on new technologies and gramme on national accounts information systems The meeting decided the following: would be established a seminar on management of ■ the infrastructure and expertise statistical offices for DGs of given the success of the seminar, of existing training centres in NSIs of Mediterranean countries it was decided to hold the next countries of the southern and would be organised in Cairo management committee meeting, eastern Mediterranean rim before the year­end due in 1998, again in Malta. Guiding principles Future Medstat activities, the meeting of common interest, and participa­ I CETMO (Study Centre for agreed, have to develop according to tion of ERF in some task forces Transport in the Western three different guiding principles: convened in fit tu re Mediterranean), based in Barcelona, which has received a Firstly, most activities will concen­ I the Regional Economic Develop­ mandate from the Ministers of trate on harmonizing statistics at ment Working Group (REDWG), Transport of Algeria, France, Italy, regional level, especially in sectors based in Amman. Tins is a kind of Morocco, Portugal, Spain and that are at present project priorities. secretariat for the Middle East peace process, financed by the Tunisia to set up a database on Secondly, a certain amount of Commission. Its role is to help transport flows in the region. This resources will be devoted to improv­ build a new economic base by is to facilitate identification of ing the statistical systems of Medstat encouraging and supporting transport priorities in the context countries at a lower stage of statisti­ regional economic integration of of activities to be put in place fol­ cal development than others in the Egypt, Israel, Jordan and lowing the Barcelona Declaration region ­ such as Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. In this context, REDWG I the Commission's DGV1I, Palestine. Complementary national has received a political mandate to which has launched a multi­annu­ programmes at bilateral level will tackle statistical issues in the fields al research programme in the field liave to he prepared and approved for of tourism, transport and external trade in the region and to build a of transport called RETRAMED. them in the near future. Tins will database for the peace process Tltis will focus on seven key topics, increase the possibility of their bene­ the first being determination of fiting fully from the regional compo­ \ the Plan Bleu for the Environment data required and data collection nent of Medstat. in Sophia Antipolis, Alpes­ and processing metlwdologies to Maritimes, which has been asked Thirdly, national/international insti­ evaluate the importance of the by the Mediterranean coimtries tutions or organisations are also transport sector in the economy of and the Commission to develop a the Mediterranean countries involved in statistical issues in the Mediterrattean Environment and Mediterranean tvgion in one or more Development Obsen>atory and I other Commission DGs, the World sectors covered by Medstat. Among assist the countries with initiating Bank and EFTA. Tite last has them are similar functions. Tltis will involve decided to work closely with the ■ the Economic Research Forum identification, collection and Commission on statistical cooper­ analysis of eiwironmental data and (ERF) for the Arab countries, Iran ation with Mediterraitean coun­ indicators and Turkey, based in Cairo. tries. It has complemented the Possible cooperation with Eurostat I the European Environmental financial resources of Medstat with is being discussed. This could Agency, which has helped Eurostat a budget of its own ­ 5% of the include joint publications on to establish terms of reference for global amount. An expert from selected topics, joint organisation the MED­ENV project on environ­ EFTA is joining Eurostat to work of seminars/workshops on issues mental statistics on Medstat.

56 Sigma 4 m 1997 Venta · Salg · Verkauf · Πωλήσεις · Sales · Vente · Vendita · Verkoop · Venda · Myynti · Försäljning

BELGIQUE/BELGIÊ NEDERLAND CYPRUS INDIA Moniteur beige/Belgisch Staatsblad SDU Servicecentrum Uitgevers Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry EBIC India Rue de Louvain 40­42VLeuvenseweg 40­42 Exteme Fondsen Griva­Digeni 38 & Deiigiorgi 3 3rd Floor, Y. B. Chavan Centre B­1000 Bruxelles/Brussel Postbus 20014 Mail orders: Gen. J. Bhosale Marg. Tél. (32­2) 552 22 11 2500 EA Den Haag PO Box 1455 400 021 Mumbai Fax (32­2) 511 01 84 Tel. (31­70) 378 98 80 CY­1509 Nicosia Tel. (91­22)282 60 64 Fax (31­70) 378 97 83 Fax (91­22)285 45 64 Jean De Lannoy Tel. (357­2) 44 95 00, 46 23 12 E­mail: [email protected] Fax (357­2) 36 10 44 E­mail: [email protected] Avenue du Roi 202/Koningslaan 202 URL: http://www.sdu.nl. E­mail: [email protected] B­1060 Bruxelles/Brussel Tél. (32­2) 538 51 69 ISRAEL OSTERREICH MAGYARORSZAG Fax (32­2) 538 08 41 ROY International E­mail: ¡[email protected] Manz'sche Verlags­ und Euro Info Service 17, Shimon Hatarssi Street URL: http://www.jean­de­lannoy.be Unlversitätsbuchhandlung GmbH Europa Haz PO Box 13056 Librairie européenne/Europese Boekhandel Siebenbrunnengasse 21 Margitsziget 61130 Tel Aviv Rue de la Loi 244/Wetstraat 244 Postfach 1 PO Box 475 Tel. (972­3)54614 23 B­1040 Bruxelles/Brussel A­1050 Wien H-1396 Budapest 62 Fax (972­3) 546 14 42 Tél. (32­2) 295 26 39 Tel. (43­1) 53 16 13 34/40 Tel. (36-1)1116061,11162 16 E­mail: [email protected] Fax (32­2) 735 08 60 Fax (43­1)53161339 Fax (36-1) 302 50 35 E­mail: [email protected] E­mail: [email protected] Sub­agent for the Palestinian Authority: DANMARK URL: http://www.austria.EU.net:81/manz URL: http://www.euroinfo.hu/index.htm Index Information Services J. H. Schultz Information A/S PO Box 19502 PORTUGAL MALTA Jerusalem Herstedvang 10­12 Imprensa Nacional­Casa da Moeda, EP Tel. (972­2)62716 34 DK­2620 Albertslund Miller Distributors Ltd Fax ¡972­2) 627 12 19 Til. (45)43 63 23 00 Rua Marquês de Sá da Bandeira, 16 A Malta International Airport Fax (45) 43 63 19 69 P­1050 Lisboa Codex PO Box 25 JAPAN E­mail: [email protected] Tel. (351­1)353 03 99 LOA 05 Malta URL: http://www.schultz.dk Fax (351­1) 353 02 94, 384 01 32 Tel. (356) 66 44 88 PSI­Japan Distribuidora de Livros Bertrand Ld.' Fax (356) 67 67 99 DEUTSCHLAND Asahi Sanbancho Plaza #206 Rua das Terras dos Vales, 4/A 7­1 Sanbancho, Chiyoda­ku Bundesanzeiger Verlag Apartado 60037 POLSKA Tokyo 102 Breite Straße 78­80 P­2701 Amadora Codex Tel. (81­3) 32 34 é9 21 Postfach 10 05 34 Tel. (351­1) 495 90 50, 495 87 87 Ars Polona Fax (81­3) 32 34 69 15 D­50667 Köln Fax (351­1) 496 02 55 Krakowskie Przedmiescie 7 E­mail: [email protected] Tel. (49­221)20 29­0 Skr. pocztowa 1001 URL: http://www.psi­japan.com Fax (49­221) 202 92 78 SUOMI/FINLAND PL­00­950 Warszawa E­mail: [email protected] Tei. (48­22) 826 12 01 MALAYSIA URL: http://www.bundesnnzeiger.dG Akateeminen Kirjakauppa/Akademiska Fax (48­22) 826 62 40, 826 53 34, 826 86 73 Bokhandeln E­mail: [email protected] EBIC Malaysia ΕΛΛΑΔΑ/GREECE Pohjoisesplanadi 39/ Level 7, Wisma Hong Leong Norra esplanaden 39 ROMANIA 18 Jalan Perak G. C. Eleftheroudakis SA PL/PB 128 50450 Kuala Lumpur International Bookstore FIN­00101 Helsinki/Helsingfors Euromedia Tel. (60­3) 262 62 98 Panepistimiou 17 PVtfn (358­9) 121 41 Str. G­ral Berthelot Nr 41 Fax (60­3) 262 61 98 GR­10564 Athina F./fax(358­9)12144 35 RO­70749 Bucuresti E­mail: ebic­[email protected] Tel. (30­1) 331 41 80/1/2/3 E­mail: [email protected] Tél. (40­1)210 44 01,614 06 64 Fax (30­1) 323 98 21 URL: http://booknet.cultnet.fi/aka/index.htm Fax (40­1) 210 44 01. 312 96 46 E­mail: elebooksenetor.gr PHILIPPINES EBIC Philippines SVERIGE SLOVAKIA ESPANA 19th Floor, PS Bank Tower Sen. BTJAB Mundi Prensa Libros, SA Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor.Tindalo St. Traktorvägen 11 Information Makati City Castellò, 37 S­221 82 Lund Metro Manilla E­28001 Madrid Nàmestie slobody 19 Tfn (46­46)18 00 00 SK­81223 Bratislava 1 Tel. (63­2) 759 66 80 Tel. (34­1)43133 99 Fax (46­46) 30 79 47 Fax (63­2) 759 66 90 Fax (34­1) 575 39 98 Tel. (421­7)53183 64 E­post: btjeu­[email protected] Fax (421­7) 531 83 64 E­mail: [email protected] E­mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.btj.se/media/eu URL: httpy/www.mundiprensa.es E­mail: europ@tbb1 .sltk.stuba.sk RUSSIA Boletín Oficial del Estado UNITED KINGDOM SLOVENIA Trafalgar, 27 CCEC The Stationery Office Ltd E­28010 Madrid Gospodarski Vestnik 60­letiya Oktyabrya Av. 9 Tel. (34­1) 538 21 11 (Libros)/ International Sales Agency 117312 Moscow 384 17 15 (Suscripciones) 51 Nine Elms Lane Zalozniska skupina d.d. Tel. (70­95)135 52 27 Fax (34­1) 538 21 21 (Libros)/ Dunajska cesta 5 Fax (70­95) 135 52 27 London SW8 5DR SLO­1000 Ljubljana 384 17 14 (Suscripciones) Tel. (44­171)873 90 90 Tel.(386)61133 03 54 E­mail: webmasterSboe.es Fax (44­171) 873 84 63 Fax (386) 611 33 91 28 SOUTH AFRICA URL: http://www.boe.es E­mail: [email protected] E­mail: belied ©gvestnik.si URL: http://www.the­stationery­office.co.uk URL: http://www.gvestnik.si Safto FRANCE 5th Floor Export House, ISLAND Journal officiel TURKIYE CNR Maude & West Streets PO Box 782 706 Service des publications des CE Bokabud Larusar Blondal Dünya Infotel AS 2146 Sandton 26, rue Desaix Skólavördustig, 2 Tel. (27­11)883 37 37 Istiklâl Cad. No: 469 F­75727 Paris Cedex 15 IS­101 Reykjavik Fax (27­11)883 65 69 Tél. (33)140 58 77 01/31 Tel. (354) 551 56 50 TR­80050 Tünel­Istanbul Fax (33) 140 58 77 00 Fax(354)552 55 60 Tel. (90­212) 251 91 96 Fax (90­212) 251 91 97 SOUTH KOREA IRELAND NORGE Kyowa Book Company Government Supplies Agency AUSTRALIA 1 F1. Phyung Hwa Bldg NIC Info A/S Publications Section Hunter Publications 411­2 Hap Jeong Dong, Mapo Ku Ostenjoveien 18 121­220 Seoul 4­5 Harcourt Road Boks 6512 Etterstad PO Box 404 Dublin 2 Tel. (82­2) 322 67 80/1 N­0606 Oslo 3167 Abbotsford, Victoria Fax (82­2) 322 67 82 Tel. (353­1) 661 31 11 Tel. (47­22) 97 45 00 Tel. (61­3) 94175361 Fax (353­1) 475 27 60 E­mail: [email protected]. Fax (47­22) 97 45 45 Fax (61­3) 94 19 71 54 ITALIA THAILANDE SCHWEIZ/SUISSE/SVIZZERA CANADA Licosa SpA EBIC Thailand OSEC Subscriptions only/Uniquement abonnements: Via Duca di Calabria. 1/1 Vanissa Building 8th Floor Casella postale 552 Stampfenbachstraße 85 Renouf Publishing Co. Ltd 29 Soi Chidlom 1­50125 Firenze CH­8035 Zürich Ploenchit Tel. (39­55)64 54 15 Tel. (41­1)365 53 15 5369 Chemin Canotek Road Unit 1 KU 9J3 Ottawa, Ontario 10330 Bangkok Fax (39­55) 64 12 57 Fax ¡41­1) 365 54 11 Tel. (66-2)655 06 27 E­mail: [email protected] E­mail: [email protected] Tel. (1­613)745 26 65 Fax (66-2) 655 06 28 URL: http^Avww.ftbcc.it/licosa URL: http://www.osec.ch Fax (1­613) 745 76 60 E­mail: [email protected] E­mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.renoufbooks.com LUXEMBOURG BÄLGARUA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Messageries du livre SARL Europress­Euromedia Ltd EGYPT Beman Associates 5, rue Raiffeisen 59, Bid Vitosha L­2411 Luxembourg BG­1000 Solia The Middle East Observer 4611­F Assembly Drive Tél. (352) 40 10 20 MD20706 Lanham Tel. (359­2) 980 37 66 41, Sherif Street Tel. (800) 274 44 47 (toll free telephone) Fax (352) 49 06 61 Fax (359­2) 980 42 30 Cairo Fax (800) 865 34 50 (toll free fax) E­mail: mdIOpt.lu Tel. 20­2) 393 97 32 E­mail: [email protected] Fax (20­2) 393 97 32 Abonnements: CESKÁREPUBLIKA URL: http://www.beman.com Messageries Paul Kraus NIS CR — prodejnn HRVATSKA 11. rue Christophe Plantin ANDERE LANDER/OTHER COUNTRIES/ L­2339 Luxembourg Konviktská 5 AUTRES PAYS CZ­113 57Praha1 Medlatrade Ltd Tél. (352) 49 98 88­8 Tel. (420­2) 24 22 94 33. 24 23 09 07 Pavia Hatza 1 Bitte wenden Sie sich an ein Büro Ihrer Fax (352) 49 98 88­444 Fax (420­2) 24 22 94 33 HR­10000 Zagreb Wahl / Please contact the sales office of E­mail: mpkOpt.lu E­mail: [email protected] Tel. (385­1)43 03 92 your choice / Veuillez vous adresser au URL: http^Avww.mpk.lu URL: http://www.nis.cz Fax (385­1) 43 03 92 bureau de vente de votre choix

NB: Country order EU. EFTA EU applicant countries, others. . Young people in the European Union from school to working life

There are around 50 million young people aged 15 to 24 in the EU ­ 14% of the population.

In its 120 pages, this publication describes their education and first steps in work, as well as how they live, their health and their hopes and aspirations. 3 trends emerge. Young people are...

^____» staying longer in education

^____» taking more time to transfer from training to work, and

«_■· putting off starting a family.

The publication shows that, while there is a common EU trend in the path to adulthood, it does tend to be shaped by national

characteristics and policies. rice. at. No. £cu 17 CA C sa ■se2. 'ud¡n:T. 67 ">g ν* ana Youth in the European Union ­ from education Post,a 9e) to working life is available through normal EU publications sales outlets (overleaf) or the Eurostat Data Shop network. For a list of Data Shops please fax +352­ 4301­32594.

• * • • EUR • OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS ir Q(y * OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES • ==5== • •k + ­k L­2985 Luxembourg