Comparative perspective of statistical laws in enlargement countries Policy Group on Statistical Cooperation 15-16 October 2015, Herceg-Novi Comparative perspective of statistical laws in enlargement countries (Doc. PGSC/2015/13)

Questions for discussion Contents Background Main findings Questions for discussion

Should be based on the Fundamental principles and the Code of Practice 1) Background Statistical law Providing a modern legislative basis for compiling and disseminating official statistics Should be based on the Fundamental principles and the Code of Practice Should define the scope of the NSS and the working principles/ procedures Should define the rights/obligations of its bodies and of its respondents Should regulate access and use of administrative data sources and ensure confidentiality

2) Main findings of comparison General provisions Concept "official statistics" Scope: entire statistical system More laws … Main principles of official statistics Professional independence Quality principles Impartial access Confidentiality NSS organisation Independent body Other National Authorities (ONAs) Statistical council/board Programming and coordination Multiannual statistical programme Coordinator's role Annual reporting Statistical processes, dissemination, int. coop. Responsibility methodological work Use of administrative data Dissemination, data access Responsibility international cooperation

2) Main findings of comparison cont. Statistical council/board Exists in all enlargement countries Separate body, but often financed by the NSI (TR: part of NSI) Size 7-17, with majority of civil servants, including NSI Director (except AL), Central Bank is always represented Business community is represented in all except BA, MK; academic world in all except BA: NGOs and civil society in all except BA, RS; local administration only in MK; media only in TR; a statistical association only in RS; unspecified users of statistics in AL and BA Functions: to supervise the NSI (AL), to advise on the statistical programme (BA, XK, TR), to meet user needs (ME, RS), to provide an annual report on statistics to the Parliament (MK)

2) Main findings of comparison cont. The recent statistical laws are better aligned to the European statistical law

3) Questions for discussion What would be an ideal composition and role of a statistical council/board? Is it necessary to revise a statistical law to stay in line with the Code of Practice?