Division 3.3 Increased ability to respond to users’ needs

In order to improve the statistical service to users, and in order to improve the efficiency of the ESS as a whole, a stronger focus on the core needs for European policies is necessary. In specific cases this will be based on the ‘European approach to statistics’, a pragmatic strategy to facilitate the compilation of European statistical aggregates which are of particular importance for Community policies. Also, the flexibility of the ESS and its ability to respond promptly to changing user needs must be strengthened.

The objectives for the programme period are to:

• improve the coherence across statistical systems, strengthening the ability to respond to users’ needs by combining different statistical sources,

• extend the use of ad-hoc modules in Community surveys in specific cases, increasing the responsiveness to new needs,

• use differentiation of requirements depending on the weight of countries in European statistical aggregates to a larger extent, reducing significantly the costs for some national authorities and the burden on respondents and also improving the timeliness of EU statistical aggregates, and

• use European samples aiming to provide good quality data at European aggregate level in specific cases, improving coherence and comparability and streamlining production processes.