1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?