1. Policy Group on Statistical Cooperation 17-18 October 2013, Skopje
New methodology for Peer Reviews in Member States
(Doc. PGSC/2013/07)

2. Introduction
Peer reviews in MS, EFTA countries and Eurostat in
Plan was to have a second round of PRs in five years
Task Force set up in 2012 to elaborate the methodology
14 countries + ESGAB
2013 May ESSC endorsed the new methodology and instruments

3. MS Peer Reviews – Aims
enhance the credibility of the European Statistical System
strengthen the System’s capacity to produce European Statistics
reassure stakeholders about the quality of European Statistics and the trustworthiness of the System
assess progress made in adherence to the principles of the CoP
assess progress made in the development of the ESS itself

4. Approach 32 PRs: all MSs and EFTA countries
SK and IS as pilot countries
Self-assessment questionnaires completed by NSIs and ONAs + supporting documentation
In-country visit
Review on implementation of the CoP, coordination of the NSS as well as ESS cooperation/ level of integration

5. Timetable of a peer review

6. Issues SAQ is a significant burden on NSIs Inclusion of ONAs
Only significant producers
Lighter questionnaire
Involvement of NCBs
As producers, NCBs adhere to the quality standards of the ESCB

7. Audit-like approach
SAQ replies as well as all findings backed up and based on evidence
PR visits focus on issues identified from the SAQ
Reviewers propose recommendations – NSIs define improvement actions
Reports are in the ownership of reviewers – NSIs can correct factual errors only
Avoid comparison and ranking

8. Credibility and comparability
The SAQ is developed based on the QAF
Uniform application of the methodology enforced and monitored (workshops and guides for reviewers)
Fewer reviewers than before
All reviewers participate in several PRs

9. Governance and conduct
ESSC involved through the TF
Participate in initial and follow-up workshops
Can be consulted on questions related to methodology
Eurostat will
Monitor progress of the process
Participate in country visits as observer
Organise and participate in initial and follow-up workshops
Report to the PG and ESSC on progress

10. Questions for discussion
What approach would be the most suitable for the enlargement countries – peer review instead of light peer review?
How could this new methodology, especially the governance and audit-like approach, be used in the next round of PRs in enlargement countries?
How and to what extent could other national authorities that produce official statistics be included in the peer review process? How can we differentiate between “core” producers and other producers?
How could the national central banks be included? What adjustments would need to be made taking into account the fact that NCBs of enlargement countries are not part of the ESCB so they do not follow its QAF?
How should we treat the question of inclusion of statistical domains into the PR?
When would be an ideal period to conduct the new round of LPRs?