The European Statistics Code of Practice sets the standards for developing, producing, and disseminating European statistics. Among its principles, Principles 1 and 1bis are foundational, establishing the trust and credibility essential for a functioning statistical system.

Principle 1: Professional Independence

Professional independence ensures that statistical authorities are free from political, regulatory, or external pressures when deciding on statistical methods, data sources, and timing of releases. This independence is vital for maintaining the objectivity, integrity, and reliability of statistics. Without it, there is a risk that data could be manipulated to serve political or private interests, undermining public trust. Professional independence reassures users that statistics are a reflection of reality, not influenced by any political agenda.

Principle 1bis: Coordination and Cooperation

Introduced to strengthen the European Statistical System (ESS), Principle 1bis emphasises coordination and cooperation among statistical authorities. This principle ensures that national and European statistical authorities work together efficiently and consistently, promoting the production of coherent and comparable statistics across Europe. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between statistics and other public authorities to safeguard the autonomy of statistical activities.

Together, Principles 1 and 1bis form the backbone of the ESS. Professional independence protects the integrity of statistics, while coordination and cooperation ensure their quality, coherence, and comparability. Upholding these principles is essential not only for trustworthy statistics but also for informed policymaking, democratic accountability, and public confidence in institutions.