Reliable statistics are the foundation of informed decision-making in the European Union. Whether shaping economic policies, assessing social trends, or monitoring environmental progress, high-quality data is essential for effective governance and public trust. At the heart of this effort is the European Statistics Code of Practice (ES CoP)—a key framework that upholds the integrity, independence, and quality of European statistics.

Adopted in 2005 and regularly updated, the European Statistics Code of Practice sets out 16 principles covering institutional, statistical, and quality-related aspects of data production. These principles ensure that statistics are professionally independent, objective, reliable, and accessible to all users, from policymakers to businesses and citizens.

One of the Code of Practice’s core strengths is its emphasis on professional independence. National statistical authorities and Eurostat must operate free from political or external pressures. The Code of Practice also promotes methodological soundness and transparency, meaning that data collection and analysis follow internationally recognized standards and are openly communicated.

Adherence to the ES CoP is assessed through peer reviews, where independent experts evaluate national statistical systems to ensure compliance and suggest improvements. These reviews help maintain confidence in official data across the EU, reinforcing the credibility of European statistics at home and abroad.

In a time of increasing disinformation, the European Statistics Code of Practice plays a vital role in safeguarding the trustworthiness of official data. By ensuring the highest standards of statistical production, it supports evidence-based policymaking and strengthens democracy across Europe.