1. A census is a census is a census ? A changing role of population censuses Eurostat contribution to the seminar on population censuses at the 2012 CES plenary session

2. From where we come

7. Authentic data we can rely on 100 %

8. High quality comes at a high price ─ too high ?

9. Censuses adapt to changing environments

10. Census method 2010 census round Census method 2000 round Tradi- tional Com- bined Register- based OtherTOTAL Traditional 1151118 Combined 05005 Register- based 00202 No census 01102 TOTAL 11 4127 Czech Republic Estonia Italy Lithuania Poland AustriaFrance Germany Sweden Where we are ─ a paradigm shift

11. 1) step up the integration of censuses into social statistics 2) focus on coverage 3) make the geo-referencing of population data precise 4) make comparative quality assessments of multi- source/multi-mode processes and outputs 5) develop and use common tools Where should we be heading ?

12. 1) Step up the integration of censuses into social statistics Assess and improve the coverage of population frames Linkage of data sources should not be a one-off exercise Harmonise specifications and breakdowns for census topics + x When integrating surveys treat census as primus inter pares Enhance continuity of census work Where should we be heading ?

13. 2) Focus on coverage Good coverage of national and regional population is the key objective of censuses Difficult but important: cross-border coverage Assess and maintain coverage of frames also during inter- censual periods Where should we be heading ?

14. 3) Make the geo-referencing of population data precise Causes of socio-economic and environmental phenomena do not follow delineations of administrative areas Increase analytical flexibility Precise geo-referencing of addresses Where should we be heading ?

15. 4) Make comparative quality assessments of multi-source/multi mode processes and outputs The starting point is settled: –The established quality frameworks for official statistics –The essential features of population censuses Challenges: –Make quality criteria operational –Measure them comparatively for a multi-source/multi-mode operation –Evaluate output and processes Where should we be heading ?

16. 5) Use and develop common tools Standardisation Improved business model Example: EU Census Hub (SDMX based) Shared software developments (e.g. validation, dissemination) Where should we be heading ?

17. A census is a census is … a lot of work Thank you !