About Us

Statistical policy at EU level is directed by the Directors General of the National Statistical Institutes (DGINS) and EUROSTAT (the statistical service of the EU based in Luxembourg). The DGINS meet four times annually as a Statistical Programme Committee established under EU Council Decision 89/387.

A multi-annual EU Statistical Programme is agreed by the European Council every five years. This is implemented in the form of annual programmes agreed by the DGINS. The bulk of EU statistical requirements are mandatory on member states under Council Regulations and Directives. The principal provisions are listed here.

CSO representatives attend a wide range of EU Working Groups, Task Forces and Committee meetings relating to the development of harmonised statistical methodology, drafting of statistical legislation, assessment of results, etc. There is also a European Statistical Training Programme organised by Eurostat.