1. Comparative perspective of statistical laws in enlargement countries
Policy Group on Statistical Cooperation October 2015, Herceg-Novi
Comparative perspective of statistical laws in enlargement countries
(Doc. PGSC/2015/13)

2. Questions for discussion
Contents
Background
Main findings
Questions for discussion

3. Should be based on the Fundamental principles and the Code of Practice
1) Background
Statistical law
Providing a modern legislative basis for compiling and disseminating official statistics
Should be based on the Fundamental principles and the Code of Practice
Should define the scope of the NSS and the working principles/ procedures
Should define the rights/obligations of its bodies and of its respondents
Should regulate access and use of administrative data sources and ensure confidentiality

4. 2) Main findings of comparison
General provisions
Concept "official statistics"
Scope: entire statistical system
More laws …
Main principles of official statistics
Professional independence
Quality principles
Impartial access
Confidentiality
NSS organisation
Independent body
Other National Authorities (ONAs)
Statistical council/board
Programming and coordination
Multiannual statistical programme
Coordinator's role
Annual reporting
Statistical processes, dissemination, int. coop.
Responsibility methodological work
Use of administrative data
Dissemination, data access
Responsibility international cooperation

5. 2) Main findings of comparison cont.
Statistical council/board
Exists in all enlargement countries
Separate body, but often financed by the NSI (TR: part of NSI)
Size 7-17, with majority of civil servants, including NSI Director (except AL), Central Bank is always represented
Business community is represented in all except BA, MK; academic world in all except BA: NGOs and civil society in all except BA, RS; local administration only in MK; media only in TR; a statistical association only in RS; unspecified users of statistics in AL and BA
Functions: to supervise the NSI (AL), to advise on the statistical programme (BA, XK, TR), to meet user needs (ME, RS), to provide an annual report on statistics to the Parliament (MK)

6. 2) Main findings of comparison cont.
The recent statistical laws are better aligned to the European statistical law

7. 3) Questions for discussion
What would be an ideal composition and role of a statistical council/board?
Is it necessary to revise a statistical law to stay in line with the Code of Practice?