1. 18/03/2010 Population and Housing Censuses in South East Europe 1 Summary results of the first meeting of the Technical Coordination Group (TCG) for the censuses in South East Europe 2011 Vebjørn AALANDSLID Eurostat – Unit D1 Statistical Cooperation with European and Mediterranean countries

2. Background and mandate The TCG was set up by the PGSC at its meeting in Budva 8-9 Oct 2009 The purpose of the TCG is to exchange experience, share best practices and harmonise methodologies and definitions on a regional level for the censuses in South East Europe. The TCG will issue technical advice and recommendations for the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) and other bodies in charge of implementing the population census in the region.

3. 18/03/2010 Population and Housing Censuses in South East Europe 3 Key Census Issues Census law is adopted in 2 countries (RS, TR) scheduled to be adopted in 5 (HR, AL, XK, MK, ME). Status uncertain in BA Census budget covered in 3 countries (AL, MK, RS), awaiting census law in 4 (HR, XK, BA, ME), choice of method not decided in TR Census date for the region is 31. March 2011. Census period ranging from 2-3 weeks. TR exception (23. October 2011) Most countries will have a traditional census, based on face to face interviews. Only TR uses population register Pilot censuses performed in 4 countries in 2009 (HR, MK, ME, RS) XK in 2008. 3 report plans to have pilots in 2010 (AL, TR, BA)

4. 18/03/2010 Population and Housing Censuses in South East Europe 4 Key Census Issues (continued) Census questionnaires. 1 country (HR) has finalised. Others still pending. Questionnaires planned to be translated into several languages in RS, MK and HR 4 countries plan to use OCR (RS, AL, BA, HR), 3 plan manual data entry (MK, ME, XK). TR still not decided on census method Quality measures/Post Enumeration Surveys in place in 5 countries (AL, HR, MK, ME, RS), not specifically mentioned in XK, TR, BA Preparations for data analysis/publishing. 6 state they have plans (AL, HR, XK, MK, RS, TR ) 2 not specific (ME, BA) All report to have communication and media plans, few report specific plans for outreach towards minorities

5. Recommendations on enumeration of ethnic/language/religious groups Interviewers should refrain from suggesting answers to the respondents, voluntary to answer these questions Use a number of pre-coded categories covering the large majority of the population when collecting data on ethnicity Countries should allow for mixed categories or multiple answers in the response on ethnic affiliation also in the dissemination process The ethnicity of children should be decided by parents/tutor, especially important for children of mixed ethnicity couples Representatives of ethnic, language and religious groups should be consulted in the whole census process. Material should be available in all the principal minority languages

6. Topics for the next meeting Update of matrix, continued exchange of technical experience Discussion of specific variables, especially employment, income and economic questions Measurement of 2nd languages spoken in the region Analysis and dissemination of data on ethnic/religious/language groups Outreach and communication strategies toward minorities Classifications to be used in the census (e.g. occupation, household) Analysis and publication of data on disability Tabulation programmes and data transmission Exchange of data between countries on emigrants Mapping