International statistical cooperation

EU statistical legislation contains a wide variety of standards which create the framework for the operation of the European Statistical System (ESS). The enlarged European Statistical System, consisting of EU members, EFTA countries, candidate countries, potential candidates, participants in the European Neighbourhood Policy, consists of 55 countries; amounting to over one quarter of the UN membership. Eurostat's cooperation with other international organisations intends to build on best practices and to improve coordination in view of methods and comparability and quality of data.

The continuous work takes place in various fields of statistics at international and regional level. Statistical activities at global level are mainly co-ordinated by the United Nations (UN), to guarantee integrated systems of collection, processing and dissemination of data.

The ESS International Relations Working Group (IRWG) is constituted by Member States representatives and has as an objective to provide assistance and support to the ESSC in the area of international relations. It aims at increasing efficiency in international relations through better communication, coordination and consistent representation in international meetings and other fora.

Here follows an overview of the major organisations with which Eurostat co-operates.

The statistical co-operation United Nations - Eurostat takes place on two levels:

Globally, with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) which coordinates international statistical programmes and activities for the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) and the Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities (CCSA). The UNSC reports to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Eurostat also co-operates with several specialised agencies in the UN, e.g. with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), including co-operation on nomenclatures, methodologies and exchange of education and training statistics; with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the area of health and food safety.

In Europe, with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Statistical Division, steered by the Conference of European Statisticians (CES) and its Bureau. The members of the Bureau are elected every 2nd year and Eurostat is a permanent observer.

United Nations system (detailed)

Information on EU relations with the UN (EEAS site)

- Integrated Economic Statistics Global Consultation 2011
- SDMX
- Revision of National Accounts methodology (2008 SNA)
- International Comparison Programme (ICP) 2011
- Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, adopted 1994, 20th anniversary 2014 - See also Eurostat Quality and Code of Practice

The Database of International Statistical Activities (DISA), formerly called Integrated Presentation, is a tool used to coordinate international statistical work in the region of UNECE, bringing together the statistical programmes of work of about 30 international organizations. Its purpose is to improve co-ordination between statistical organisations and to reduce overlap.

In order to maintain the efficiency of work in different statistical areas, Eurostat has made an Inventory of groups on international statistical cooperation.

Eurostat's co-operation with OECD is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that covers the exchange of statistical data. Eurostat is a member of the OECD Statistics Committee (CSTAT). The members of the CSTAT Bureau are elected every 2nd year, Eurostat is a permanent observer.

Eurostat is represented in the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century, PARIS21 . This consortium brings together both developed and developing countries, regional and international institutions and bilateral donors. The aim is to improve governance and government effectiveness in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are co-ordinated by the UNSD.

Eurostat's co-operation with International Monetary Fund (IMF) is based on an informal agreement in the Inter-secretariat Working groups (IWGs).

The World Bank is mainly a user of statistics. It is very active on technical assistance on statistics and plays an important role on the development of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) indicators, generally via EuropeAid Development and Cooperation DG of the European Commission.

Eurostat cooperates with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the fields of Labour market and Social Protection statistics.

Eurostat co-operates with many international organisations such as the International Statistical Institute (ISI) with affiliates, mainly on methodological subjects. ISI Sessions are held every second year. ISI2011, will be held in Dublin, Ireland.