Directors of Social Statistics European Social Survey 28-29 September 2005 European Social Survey 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 Context The need for more EU social statistics does not decrease Not only new regular data are requested in the recently emerging fields (health, food safety, consumer protection, justice crime, lifelong learning, …) But also for specific short time not necessarily recurrent data (discrimination, environment, cultural and social participation, citizenship, entrepreneurship, victimisation, …) Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 Current situation Two main long term, focused, harmonised surveys: LFS and EU-SILC Allowing for ad-hoc modules in relation to their core field Other data collections (ICT, AES, HBS, TUC, …) less harmonised and/or carried out differently in MS, with a national suitable vehicle survey or register The demand increase is dealt with by maximising the use of existing surveys, but there are limits (survey capacity, length, focus – need for programming) Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 Towards an improved architecture It is proposed to think about reengineering the current EU survey architecture, by establishing a Common multipurpose annual social survey That would increase the flexibility (responsiveness and quantity) – in its variable part That would rationalise existing demands and their implementation. The fixed part of the survey could accommodate a significant part of the existing irregular or short term demands. Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 New EU HH survey Annual, at a fixed period Responsiveness is essential Fixed part Core social variables Variable foreign to the survey in which they are now Variable part Short term or irregular requests (ICT, AES,…) Punctual variables requested by the users Sample size in the order of magnitude of EU-SILC Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 Other considerations Improved quality, due to better harmonisation of the vehicle surveys As main objective is to fulfill punctual EU needs, it should be substantially funded by the EU budget Based on some assumptions (sample size, CATI, 45 minutes) a budget of the order of magnitude of 5 millions € is realistic The April SDG gave a general posiutive opinion on the project The approach is warmly welcome by user DGs Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1

Directors of Social Statistics 28-29 September 2005 The DSS are invited to … Comment the approach Create a task force that would comprise delegates from MS, users and Eurostat examine in details the need of users for punctual information examine the solution as well as alternative and their feasibility report within 6 months Introduction Statistics is a human activity which is as old as our civilization era. Counting of livestock or prisoners goes back to the Soumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Later under Aristotle’s philosophy «observation on a systematic way and application of the inductive method» (from the ‘effect’ understand the ‘cause’) becomes Ptolemeus (Soter)and the Alexandria’s Library principle. Romans have practiced the «population census». In the modern times and since the 17th century «counting of populations» becomes a systematic administrative concern and starts giving rise to the organization of statistical bureaus. By the end of the 19th century every European state possesses a National Statistical Service or Institute (NSI) which has the mission to produce «official statistics», that is to collect and disseminate data on a systematic way, about the main economic and social phenomena. 1