Strategy for Statistical Cooperation in the ENP-East Region 14th Meeting of the Management Group on Statistical Cooperation 22-23 March 2012, Luxembourg Agenda item 4.3

Why a strategy for the ENP-East region is needed? TACIS was phased out and other forms of assistance (TAIEX, Twinning, HLS) addresses only some of the problems in statistics The ENP-East countries have similar background and needs, so a common approach may bring the economies of scale both for the beneficiaries and the donors The experience of the ENP-South countries, that recently developed a common strategy, shows a positive effect of the process – a reflection on priorities and objectives, ways and means of obtaining them, better cooperation and integration among the countries It is easier to lobby for funds for the assistance if the needs and objectives are clearly defined

What is the status of the orientation paper? The first attempt to reflect on the situation in the ENP-East region, needs, similarities, differences, the possible areas of statistical cooperation, the forms and outcomes of such a cooperation The proposal is based on the experience gained in the bilateral cooperation with the ENP-East countries, HLS discussions, requests for assistance received and internal discussions at Eurostat The paper was not yet presented to the ENP-East countries – it will be revised after the MGSC and presented to the ENP-East countries at the HLS (Tbilisi, Georgia, in June 2012) The paper is meant as a basis for the development of a full fledged strategy for the region to be presented to all interested parties

Why do we need the strategy now? The new approach to the ENP countries was developed recently Five out of six ENP-East countries negotiate the AA and DCFTA agreements (Ukraine just concluded the negotiations) The AA chapters are very similar for all the countries The SRC is a common basis for the activities The problems identified during the AGA exercise (AR, AZ, UA) are very similar

What are the common objectives? Strengthen the role of official statistics Strengthen the management capacity of the NSIs Strengthen the coordinating role of the NSIs Support the adoption of the quality framework Make statistics a better tool for policy makers Reach and maintain the approximation with the acquis

Which areas should be covered? Statistical infrastructure Macro economic and business statistics External trade statistics Transport statistics Energy statistics Social statistics Agricultural statistics and structural indicators Horizontal issues: dissemination, user orientation, quality

Which means could be used? Training courses Workshops and seminars Joint statistical publications Projects targeting specific issues (e.g. quality, dissemination, management, registers, etc.) Technical assistance oriented towards the implementation of the EU standards Joint pilot projects Data collection

What are we doing now? In 2012 AGAs are planned for Belarus, Georgia and Moldova HLS are organised each year – the next one in June 2012 on quality and meta-data in Tbilisi, Georgia Call for Tender for the training courses for the ENP-East countries is under preparation Loading the country information into SMIS+ Bilateral cooperation Data collection and publication on the region

Questions for discussion Is the paper complete and comprehensive enough? Are the priorities in statistical cooperation in the region well reflected? Are the proposed activities adequate? Could you share your experience in cooperation that would relevant for the development of the strategy?