1. Eurostat Strategic issues: EU-SILC Agenda item 3.2 DSS meeting 18-19 November 2013

2. What is agreed Modular content Improving timeliness Improving regional dimension Both are processes that are starting on GAs Some further discussion are needed with one or two MS Precision requirements

3. What deserves attention The longitudinal component (extension from 4 to 6 years) Much higher analytical possibilities Was declared by the users as the priority 12 MS agreed on the change, 11 didn't Costs Attrition and quality Process change

4. Longitudinal extension: Costs Bigger sample size: not true Currently, the quality requirements for the longitudinal are such that the first wave has very often to be inflated and the total sample is larger than required for the cross sectional 6 years will help in overcoming the problem, automatically Furthermore, let's change the longitudinal precision requirement so that inflation of the initial sample is not needed any longer Larger costs are associated with initial non response rather than with the implementation of tracing rules (that could even be simplified)

5. Longitudinal extension: attrition and quality The cross sectional component of a 6 year panel would be less representative due to selective attrition: partially true (see the "fade away" hypothesis of Ulrich Rendtel) But The problem is already there in the 4 year panel The share of the concerned sample will increase only by about 15% We have found ways of overcoming the problem (through calibration: we know who disappeared) Technical knowledge and best practices to develop

6. Longitudinal extension: production process We want to implement many changes in a big revision. There are risks for the production process: True But Unfortunately, it is not for tomorrow. We have time to prepare this carefully (this will also allow for asking the respondent agreement for 6 instead of 4 years) The alternative (repeated changes) has also high risks

7. To conclude on longitudinal Let's continue investigating / testing /listing pros and cons Initial non response Impact of a 6 year panel on participation Correction for selective attrition Adaptation of the precision requirements Identifying and disseminating best practices … The 6 year panel also allows for all the information from the modules to be collected on every participant! The "global equilibrium" would be lost without a 6y panel