1. The methodological database MARS
Berthold Feldmann
Eurostat

2. Background
In 2000, methodological meta-data on regional statistics was collected and published for the (then) candidate countries
In 2002, a first project to enrich this information with meta-data from the (then) 15 Member States
Failed because of the Eurostat crisis
In 2005 a new start to collect methodological information on 25 Member States plus Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Turkey
Finalised in March 2007

3. Problems encountered Administrative Too ambitious timeframe
Methodological
Available information at Eurostat could not be used
Technical
Redesign of the MARS database proofed to be necessary
Resistance
Some countries decided not to participate

4. State of play

5. State of play by country

6. State of play by country (2)

7. Where do we go from here?
Providing meta-data will remain part of the ESS quality charter to which all NSIs have subscribed
Countries that have difficulty to send MARS data may receive support from Eurostat
Bilateral dialogue needed
An update frequency of every three years seems reasonable
Next update in 2009
A similar meta-data website for the Urban Audit should be envisaged
Above all a task of rearranging the existing information

8. Thank you for your attention!
Any questions?