Celebrating 20 years of the European Statistics Code of Practice!
On 25 May 2005, the European Commission adopted the European Statistics Code of Practice (ES CoP or the Code) through a formal recommendation, aiming to strengthen the independence, integrity, and accountability of national and EU statistical authorities. This marked a pivotal step in ensuring high-quality, reliable, and transparent European statistics.
The Code consists of 16 principles and 84 indicators that set the standards for developing, producing and disseminating European statistics. All statistical authorities of the European Statistical System commit to adhering to these principles.
The ES CoP has been reviewed twice, in September 2011 and in November 2017, reflecting evolving statistical needs, technological advancements, and growing expectations for data integrity.
Over the past 20 years, the European Statistics Code of Practice has significantly strengthened the integrity, independence, and quality of European statistics. However, as the world of data continues to evolve, the Code must remain adaptable and forward-looking.
The future of European statistics depends on continuous innovation, unwavering independence, and a commitment to transparency. As we look ahead, the European Statistics Code of Practice will continue to be a cornerstone for trustworthy and high-quality statistics, supporting evidence-based policymaking and informed public debate across Europe.
