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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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