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Safeguarding quality with 16 key principles

Image: The 16 Principles of the European Code of Practice

The European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP) is the cornerstone of the quality framework and sets the standards for developing, producing and disseminating European statistics.

It defines 16 key principles for the institutional environment under which the EU and national statistical authorities operate, as well as for the statistical processes and output. It also includes a set of 84 indicators for the best practices and standards for each of the 16 principles. These principles and indicators provide a reference for reviewing the implementation of the Code thus, helping to increase transparency in the European Statistical System. Please see also our infographics below.

CoP publication in multiple languages

Code of practice quality RV

DS Quality > European quality standards > COP > more info and history EN RV

PublicationNovember 2017
Glossary defining the main terms used in the CoP
English
(226 KB - PDF)
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History of the CoP

Date Event
24 February 2005 Adoption of the CoP by the Statistical Programme Committee
September 2011 Revision of the CoP based on the results of the 1st round of ESS peer reviews
November 2017 Revision of the CoP based on the results of the 2nd round of ESS peer reviews

The 16 principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice

DS Quality > European quality standards > COP > COP infographics EN RV

Infographic Code of Practice: 1 Professional Independence European statistics are produced in an impartial and independent manner, free from any political or other external influence. 1bis Coordination and Cooperation National Statistical Institutes and Eurostat work together to coordinate the production of European statistics and to further cooperate at both national and European levels. 2 Mandate for Data Collection and Access to Data Statistical authorities have access to the data necessary to produce European statistics. 3 Adequacy of Resources Human, financial and technical resources are sufficient to produce high quality European statistics.Infographic Code of Practice: 4 Commitment to Quality Statistical authorities regularly and systematically review their processes and the quality of their statistical products. 5 Statistical Confidentiality and Data Protection The privacy of data providers and the confidentiality of the information they provide is guaranteed by law. 6 Impartiality and Objectivity European statistics are developed, produced and published in a professional and transparent manner, treating all users fairly and equally. 7 Sound Methodology European statistics have a sound methodological basis and are in line with European and international standards.
Infographic Code of Practice: 8 Appropriate Statistical Procedures Statistical processes are routinely monitored and revised using well-established, transparent procedures. 9 Non-excessive Burden on Respondents Statistical authorities request information from respondents only when it is necessary. 10 Cost Effectiveness Statistical authorities ensure that they use resources efficiently. 11 Relevance European statistics are based on user needs.Infographic Code of Practice: 12 Accuracy and Reliability European statistics accurately and reliably portray reality. 13 Timeliness and Punctuality European statistics are released in a timely and punctual way. 14 Coherence and Comparability European statistics are consistent and comparable between regions and countries over time. 15 Accessibility and Clarity European statistics are published in a clear and easily-accessible way.