MINUTES EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROSTAT. Doc. Eurostat/F/10/DSS/01/06EN BECH BUILDING, ROOM QUETELET

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1 EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROSTAT Directorate F: Social and Information Society Statistics Doc. Eurostat/F/10/DSS/01/06EN MINUTES MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL STATISTICS LUXEMBOURG, MARCH 2010 BECH BUILDING, ROOM QUETELET 1

2 Executive summary 1 Ι. Introduction The Directors of Social Statistics (DSS) met on 11 and 12 March 2010 in Luxembourg. Representatives of the main users from the policy side (DG EMPL, DG JLS and ECB) also attended. The meeting focused on: the revision of the organisational structure for the work of the DSS; the re-engineering of social statistics as part of a comprehensive strategy for the modernisation of European social statistics; comitology items in the area of education and training statistics (3 regulations); the way forward on disability statistics. The DSS was informed about the adoption of the mandate of the Sponsorship on "Measuring progress, wellbeing and sustainable development" and the planned next steps. Moreover, the main features of the Europe 2020 strategy and a first assessment of its likely impact on social statistics were presented. Finally, the DSS discussed the detailed roadmap for the implementation of the lessons derived from the crisis for social statistics. Following the Malta declaration a half-day workshop was dedicated to migration statistics mainstreaming. ΙΙ. Revision of the organisational structure for the work of the DSS In response to the ESSC decision to have the mandates of the Directors' groups updated, Eurostat proposed revised terms of references for the DSS. Directors fully supported the proposal, which is submitted to the ESSC for approval. The new DSS mandate provides also for the creation of specific DSS task forces on strategic issues. Eurostat proposed that these strategic task forces should replace the existing Strategic Development Group (SDG) would be the year of transition with a possible last meeting of the SDG in June The DSS supported this approach. A first strategic task force on mainstreaming of migration statistics had already been set up following the adoption of the Malta Declaration. The decision was taken to create at least one more such a group on the reengineering of social statistics. The DSS will be also involved in the work of the Sponsorship Group on "Measuring progress, wellbeing and sustainable development". It is expected that the DSS will provide input to a specific task force on multidimensional measures of quality of life, which will be created under the joint umbrella of the Sponsorship Group. ΙΙΙ. Re-engineering of social statistics Eurostat launched the reflection on how to modernise European Social Statistics along the lines of the Commission Communication 404/2006 on the production method of EU statistics (the Vision). It did so by proposing a number of areas, processes and projects which require vision-engaging initiatives and wider ESS collaboration and commitment. A dedicated paper on the re-engineering of social statistics addressed the HOW of the intended modernisation process. The essential elements of the strategy outlined are (i) tapping new data sources without compromising on quality (ii) developing an integrated approach for cross-cutting phenomena (iii) creating added value through data linking/data matching (iv) re-engineering of statistical production and dissemination processes and (v) extended ESS cooperation. The main drivers for the WHAT of the modernisation strategy are Europe2020, the 'Stiglitz/GDP and beyond' initiatives, the Malta declaration, the lessons derived from the crisis, and the commitment to efficiently maintaining current data production. The 1 This executive summary has been presented at the 5 th meeting of the ESSC as Report from the meeting of the Directors of Social Statistics (DSS), March

3 DSS very much welcomed Eurostat's proposal for a modernisation strategy. It also strongly supported the idea of a MEETS-like financial programme to underpin the ambitious project. The DSS decided to set up a strategic Task Force on the re-engineering strategy. The plan would be to report to the ESSC in spring Comitology issues Three draft Commission Regulations in the area of education and lifelong learning statistics received broad support from the DSS. Two of them (the draft Commission Regulation concerning statistics on the participation of adults in lifelong learning and the draft Commission Regulation concerning statistics relating to vocational training in enterprises), which were at their final stage, are therefore submitted to the ESSC at its 5 th meeting of May 2010 (see agenda items 3 and 4). The third draft regulation, which concerns statistics on education and training systems, was presented to the DSS for a first discussion. It will be finalised by summer and its submission to ESSC is planned for October Disability statistics: streamlined approach and proposal for an EP and Council regulation as regards a survey on the interaction between health and social integration At its meeting of 19 November 2009, the ESSC endorsed Eurostat's proposal to streamline the information on disabled persons which is collected through EU social surveys and to develop an EP and Council Regulation on a European survey on health and social integration. The ESSC agreed on the date of implementation (2012) and the details of the funding process were recalled (maximum 90% of the eligible costs, on the basis of grants) as provided in the financial regulations. During the DSS meeting, DG EMPL insisted on its urgent need for disability statistics in the context of the European Disability Action Plan and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed by all EU countries and including an article on the obligation for all Member States to collect data). DG EMPL recalled that the data collection on disability statistics was initially scheduled for 2010 and that further postponement was not acceptable. Following the ESSC decision, Eurostat set up a new Task Force (TF) on survey-based disability statistics which met for the first time in January Eurostat provided, in the DSS meeting, a detailed overview of the first results of the TF work and presented technical issues for which further work is still necessary (e.g. sample size, sampling method) but which did not constitute a reason for further delay. Contrary to the ESSC decision, a number of DSS members (CY, FR, ES, DE, AT, CZ, PL) disagreed on the proposed implementation date (2012) of the European survey on health and social integration, mainly for budgetary reasons. The views of countries diverged as to whether to implement at a later stage (2013; 2014) or not to implement within the ESS. Moreover, DE and AT expressed substantial concerns with respect to the funding arrangements. The chair recalled the discussion held within the ESSC in November 2009 and pointed out that the ESSC' and DSS' opinions were contradictory. To keep to schedule regarding the user needs and in view of maintaining ESS commitment on a new victimisation/security survey, postponing implementation within the ESS to 2013/2014 was not an option. Even if ESSC over-ruled the decision of the DSS, implementation in 2012 within the ESS would be impossible given time constraints linked to the legislative procedure. Eurostat therefore agreed to investigate alternative options (including possibilities for a data collection carried out by the private sector, notably exploring the use of the Eurobarometer, taking into account the specificity of such a survey). Eurostat is aware of the fact that these alternative options are not optimal but has no other choice given the DSS decision. 3

4 The results of these investigations as well as additional results of the technical work of the TF will then be discussed with the DSS in their next meeting (September 2010) for decision. As a consequence of the opposition expressed by the majority of DSS, Eurostat withdrew the proposal for an EP and Council regulation on interaction between health and social integration from the agenda of the 5 th ESSC meeting in May Workshop on migration statistics A half-day workshop was dedicated to migration statistics mainstreaming. This workshop brought together producers and important users of migration statistics (Commission DG JLS and EMPL, research community). DG JLS and EMPL detailed their policy needs for the coming years (namely: more data on migration in and out of EU including irregular migration as well as on intra-eu mobility; more data on different profiles of immigrants including third country nationals and second generation migrants, ethnic minorities, asylum seekers and refugees; development of integration indicators in different areas, e.g.: employment, education, social inclusion, to support evidence-based policy making). Eurostat presented a draft conceptual framework based on the discussions that had been held in the Strategic Task Force on Migration Mainstreaming. This draft conceptual framework, which addresses the issues of migration pathways, target groups and the link of data sources to data output, was appreciated by all participants and will need to undergo only some minor fine-tuning. During the panel discussion, DK, ES, IT, PT, UK presented their national experiences, technical challenges (mainly with respect to the definition of migration across countries and to the measurement of stocks/flows) and achievements. Both groups, users and producers, pointed out that a considerable amount of data is already available (in the Labour Force Survey and also in administrative databases), and that in addition very rich information could be easily collected at reduced cost/burden, by simply adding a few questions (on citizenship at birth and parents' country of birth in order to capture migrant backgrounds) to existing data collections (in particular the Labour Force Survey, the Survey on Income and Living Conditions). The improved use of existing data sources for the production of statistics on migrants will constitute a cornerstone of the work programme that will be elaborated together with the Strategic Task Force. The work programme will then be submitted to the DSS meeting of September. It is planned to submit both the conceptual framework and the work programme to the ESSC for adoption before the end of the year. 4

5 MINUTES Introduction and adoption of the agenda The chairperson, Ms Inna Šteinbuka, welcomed the participants from EU, EFTA and candidate countries, as well as the representatives of other European bodies (DG EMPL, JLS, and the ECB). In her introductory speech, she explained the reasons for organising this meeting and presented the main points to be tackled during the meeting (organisational structure of the DSS, comitology, items for opinion, items for information and a workshop during the first afternoon). The agenda was adopted. 1. Organisational Structure for Social Statistics 1.1. Draft mandate of the DSS Presentation Following the ESSC decision taken in November 2009 to have the mandates of all Directors' groups updated, Eurostat presented a draft of the revised terms of reference (TOR) for the DSS. The major changes proposed were (1) to hold from 2010 onwards two 1.5-day meetings per year (March/September) and (2) to replace the Strategic Development Group by several subject-specific DSS Task Forces. Discussion During the discussion, the DSS supported the proposal. The necessity to build bridges with other Directors groups (e.g. Group of Directors of Macro-Economic Statistics) was highlighted, especially in the context of the Commission Communication on GDP and Beyond and of the Stiglitz Report. The possibility to organise joint meetings in the future should therefore be explored. Conclusion Following its endorsement by the DSS, the mandate will be submitted to the ESSC for approval during its meeting of May The mandates of related working groups will be gradually updated Transition from the Strategic Development Group to subject-specific strategic Task Forces information on the mandate of the specific TF on migration statistics Presentation In the updated DSS mandate, Eurostat proposed to replace the current Strategic Development Group (SDG) by subject-specific strategic DSS Task Forces. Eurostat reminded the background of the first created strategic Task Force on mainstreaming of migration statistics, which was set up following the adoption of the Malta Declaration. 5

6 The chair proposed to create first (at least) one more such group, dedicated to the re-engineering of social statistics. Moreover, in the framework of the Sponsorship Group on "Measuring progress, wellbeing and sustainable development", it was specified that the DSS will be also involved in a strategic TF on measurement of quality of life. Each subject-specific TF would meet approximately twice a year would be the year of transition from SDG to strategic TFs with a possible last meeting of the SDG in June Finally, Eurostat pointed out that, in the exchange of views, some countries (DK, PL) expressed interest in maintaining the SDG. Eurostat expressed reservations on this proposal, due to the substantial workload entailed by keeping parallel and largely overlapping structures. Discussion The proposal to create subject-specific strategic TFs was unanimously supported by the DSS. During the discussion, possible future topics were suggested (deprivation, new forms of families, social capital, lessons from the crisis for social statistics ). Some of them might give birth to DSS strategic TF, while other will be tackled at more technical level. Different views were expressed with respect to the proposal to end the SDG: Some countries (DE, UK, UK, AT) supported this proposal. They pointed out the efficiency gains made in replacing it by subject-specific strategic Task Forces. General strategic issues would be discussed in DSS plenary sessions. On the other hand, some countries (DK, NO, PT, SK) expressed their support to the group which should continue dealing with general strategic issues. Finally, the question of the articulation of these strategic DSS TFs with the work of the Sponsorship was raised. Conclusion Following the interest expressed by DK, NO, PT and SK to maintain the SDG, Eurostat proposed to consider organising a SDG meeting in June/July only if adequate input for discussion is provided by countries. General strategic issues would in future be addressed during DSS plenary sessions, and 3 subject-specific strategic TFs would be gradually created. 2. Items for opinion 2.1. Re-engineering of the production of social statistics: state of play and next steps Presentation Eurostat recalled the background of the subject, i.e. the Communication 404 on the production method of EU statistics, which was first discussed during the DSS meeting of September The main drivers for the WHAT of the modernisation strategy are Europe2020, the 'Stiglitz/GDP and beyond' initiatives, the Malta declaration, the lessons derived from the crisis, and the commitment to efficiently maintaining current data production. It was underlined that the paper on the re-engineering of social statistics addressed the HOW of the intended modernisation process. The essential elements of the (long-term) strategy were outlined in the presentation, namely: 1. tapping new data sources without compromising on quality; 2. developing an integrated approach for cross-cutting phenomena; 3. creating added value through data linking/data matching; 4. re-engineering of statistical production and dissemination processes; 6

7 5. extended ESS cooperation. Important milestones and next steps in this process include the following: - Overall ESS strategy on vision to be endorsed by ESSC in May 2010; - Creation of a DSS Task Force with the mandate to define relevant projects, processes, and the appropriate means to support the strategy (expected outcome by September 2010); - Adoption of the modernisation strategy by the DSS at/after its next meeting in autumn 2010; - Opinion of the ESSC in spring It was finally highlighted that, subject to prior endorsement by Eurostat's managing board, a MEETS-like financial programme (Strategy of Modernisation of European Social Statistics, a.k.a. "MODESST") could be developed to underpin the ambitious project (to be implemented in 2013 or 2014). Discussion The DSS unanimously welcomed Eurostat's reflection on the modernisation strategy for social statistics and its proposal. Convergences with national initiatives were underlined (IE, SE). DSS welcomed in particular the launch of a reflection (1) encompassing all sources for social statistics (vs. EPSS that took only on board surveys) (2) aiming, in a context of budgetary cuts, at rationalising and optimising them and (3) taking into account the main challenge which is the heterogeneity of national situations (legal contexts, sources, mode of data collections etc.). Countries welcomed the proposal to share expertise and good practices, e.g. on multimode data collections, use of administrative data or e-health. As proposed by Eurostat, the DSS endorsed the creation of a strategic DSS Task Force on the re-engineering strategy. The plan would be to hold the first meeting in May-June 2010 and to report to the ESSC in spring With respect to financial issues, the group strongly supported the creation of a MEETS-like financial programme ("MODESST"). Finally, the DSS asked for further information with respect to the possible future use of "quality-adjusted" Eurobarometers mentioned in document Doc. Eurostat/F/10/DSS/01/2.1EN. Eurostat specified that use of quality-adjusted Eurobarometers for the production of official statistics could be considered as a possible solution in view of the growing demand for social statistics and, at the same time, of the continuous decrease in the resources at national/european level. The DSS were informed about an ongoing pilot project aiming at assessing the quality of these 'Eurostat-guided' Eurobarometers as alternative sources for the production of social statistics. In particular, technical details on this project were provided (doubled sample size, preliminary pilot survey and in-depth quality controls). Results of this experimental exercise should be known by the end of 2010 and then presented to the DSS for discussion. Conclusion In conclusion, the DSS expressed strong support for the re-engineering strategy and demonstrated their willingness to participate actively in the next steps. Potential practical difficulties in implementing this challenging project as well as the necessity to share experience, expertise and good practices within the ESS were again pointed out State of play of the Sponsorship on "Stiglitz-Sen" report and the "GDP and beyond" Communication and future developments Presentation Eurostat presented the state of play of the Sponsorship (15 volunteer countries to participate), the role of Directorate F (in charge of cooperation at technical level, in close collaboration with Directorates C "National and European Accounts" and E "Sectoral and regional statistics" of Eurostat). 7

8 It was specified that the coordination phase was still ongoing and contacts with INSEE were frequent (3 videoconferences held since January 2010). Initially, the creation of 7 topical TFs was proposed but after discussions it was decided to create 3 TFs one for each main issue tackled by the Sponsorship: - Households perspective and distributional aspects of income, consumption and wealth, - Environmental sustainability, - Multidimensional measures of quality of life (TF co-chaired by Eurostat Directorate F). In this context, the DSS were informed that a meeting between Eurostat (Walter Radermacher) and INSEE (Jean-Philippe Cotis) was scheduled on to prepare the first plenary session of the Sponsorship (in May). Discussion During the discussion, several countries (FR, NL, UK, DK, NO) welcomed the innovative approach of the Sponsorship and pointed out the interest for the ESS to explore important topics such as well-being or trust, notably on the basis of already available data (SILC, HBS, TUS ). Conclusion The DSS welcomed and supported the proposal; they will be kept informed on a regular basis of the main developments of the Sponsorship Disability statistics: streamlined approach and proposal for an EP and Council regulation as regards a survey on the interaction between health and social inclusion Presentation In its presentation, DG EMPL pointed out its urgent need for comparable disability statistics in the context of the European Disability Action Plan, the preparation of the new European disability strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed by all EU Member States and the European Union and including an article on the obligation for all States Parties to collect data). Eurostat recalled that, at its meeting of 19 November 2009, the ESSC endorsed Eurostat's proposal to streamline the information on disabled persons which is collected through EU social surveys and to develop an EP and Council Regulation on a European survey on health and social integration. The ESSC agreed on the date of implementation (2012) and the details of the funding process were recalled (maximum 90% of the eligible costs, on the basis of grants) as provided in the financial regulations. Following the ESSC decision, Eurostat set up a new Task Force (TF) on survey-based disability statistics which met for the first time in January Eurostat provided, in the DSS meeting, a detailed overview of the first results of the TF work and presented technical issues for which further work is still necessary (e.g. sample size, sampling method) but which did not constitute a reason for further delay. Given substantial reservations expressed in the exchange of views forms with respect to the year of implementation, it was recalled that the data collection on disability statistics was initially scheduled for 2010 and that further postponement was not acceptable. Discussion Contrary to the ESSC decision, a number of DSS members (AT, CY, CZ, DE, ES, FI, FR, PL) disagreed on the proposed implementation date (2012) of the European survey on health and social integration, mainly for budgetary reasons. Other issues raised referred to sample sizes and their non-correspondence to the content of the questionnaire, the proposed methodology and the aims of the survey; these issues however rather relate to the implementing measures. The views of countries diverged as to whether to implement the survey at a later stage (2013; 2014) or not to implement it within the ESS. Moreover, DE and AT expressed substantial concerns with respect to the funding arrangements. 8

9 The chair recalled the discussion held within the ESSC in November 2009 and pointed out that the ESSC' and DSS' opinions were contradictory. To keep to schedule regarding the user needs and in view of maintaining ESS commitment on a new victimisation/security survey, postponing implementation within the ESS to 2013/2014 was not an option. Even if ESSC over-ruled the decision of the DSS, implementation in 2012 within the ESS would be impossible given time constraints linked to the legislative procedure. Eurostat therefore agreed to investigate alternative options (including possibilities for a data collection carried out by the private sector, notably exploring the use of the Eurobarometer, taking into account the specificity of such a survey). Eurostat is aware of the fact that these alternative options are not optimal but has no other choice given the DSS decision. The results of these investigations as well as additional results of the technical work of the TF will then be discussed with the DSS in their next meeting (September 2010) for decision. As a consequence of the opposition expressed by the majority of DSS, Eurostat withdrew the proposal for an EP and Council regulation on interaction between health and social integration from the agenda of the 5 th ESSC meeting in May

10 3. Workshop on migration statistics Point 3.1 Meeting the needs for migration statistics According to the agenda, during the first part of the workshop there were presented: the policy needs for migration statistics, the idea of the mainstreaming of migration statistics and the opinion of the research community concerning recent developments in migration statistics and immigrant integration areas. Policy needs for migration statistics Presentation 1: Jordi Garcia Martinez from DG JLS informed the meeting on the main needs for migration statistics to support justice and home affairs policies. He highlighted that major improvements to these statistics that had been achieved over recent years (a comprehensive legal basis for these statistics, improved availability and timeliness of the statistics etc.). Information was provided on the Stockholm Programme, highlighting the mandate, objectives and goals for migration policy and for migration statistics. Mr Garcia Martinez presented three particular areas for which there was an urgent need for statistical data: - integration (especially of third country nationals who make up the core interest group for DG JLS) and the development of the European integration indicators; - irregular migration and situation of unaccompanied minors (there is an urgent need to have more information on this group); - migration profiles (in this area, data related to integration, data on returns, short term and circular migration and also financial data on remittances are needed). The need for close cooperation between Eurostat, the NSIs and policy makers was stressed. DG JLS would be ready to participate fully in the process of migration statistics mainstreaming and to provide relevant expertise. Presentation 2: Ralf Jacob detailed DG EMPL's main policy needs for statistical information related to immigration and to the integration of people with a migration background. DG EMPL sees the need to have more reliable and comparable statistical data in three policy areas that it is responsible for: employment, the fight against social exclusion and poverty, and the fight against discrimination. The data on migrant stocks and flows are insufficient to meet these needs. Efforts are needed to improve the statistical information on the socio-economic situation of migrants and their descendants. The identification of migrant groups needed to be based on an appropriate set of variables (DG EMPL proposed to include new variables in the main social surveys, i.e.: citizenship at birth and country of birth/citizenship of parents). Additionally DG EMPL stressed the need for adequate sample sizes allowing sufficiently detailed breakdowns. Data on the situation of migrants would not necessarily have to be collected in every survey wave, but for instance once every 3 years. DG EMPL also highlighted that, in contrast to DG JLS, they had a strong policy interest in intra-eu mobility. The statistics should therefore not be limited to third country nationals. Mainstreaming migration statistics Presentation 3: Inna Šteinbuka presented recent developments relating to migration statistics. In addition to information on migration flows and migrant stocks, work was taking place to address the mainstreaming of migration statistics: developing statistics on the social and economic situation of migrants with a focus on issues such as the drivers of migration and on the integration of migrant populations. An integrated approach was proposed, maximizing the use of available administrative and survey data sources. It was important to further develop the statistical use of administrative data, and to investigate approaches to the international exchange of migration data. Ms Šteinbuka reminded the meeting of the Malta Declaration, that had called upon the Directors of Social 10

11 Statistics to develop a conceptual framework and a draft work programme for the development of statistics on migration. Members of the DSS had previously been invited to join a Strategic Task Force that has been established to work with Eurostat to prepare a conceptual framework and work programme. Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK had volunteered to join this Strategic Task Force. In her presentation, Ms Šteinbuka briefly introduced the drafts of the conceptual framework and work programme. Eurostat s draft conceptual framework, prepared in diagrammatic form, illustrated migration flows together with related monetary flows, migration stocks with more detailed information on different target groups and an appropriate set of variables essential to identify different definitions of migrants, and the statistical process focused on the meaningful integration of data from different sources, as well as the exchange of data and information on best practices. The second document, a draft work programme, focused on developing and integrating the use of different survey and administrative data sources and consisted of different actions aimed at the improvement of migration statistics and the mainstreaming of migration topics across a range of statistics. The Strategic Task Force would meet again in June. Following further development, the work programme and conceptual framework would then be submitted to the DSS meeting of September, and then to the ESSC for adoption before the end of the year. The point of view of the research community Presentation 4: Dr. Rob Bijl from the Netherlands Institute for Social Research presented the needs for statistical data to support evidence-based policy making on migration and integration. The data were needed to: - have a better understanding of integration processes (by migrant group, by generation, by statistical domain); - assess the effects of different migration policies and programmes; - have an insight into the extent to which non-specific-integration/mainstream policies (education policy, social protection policy etc.) contribute to or harm integration and equal opportunities for migrants. Dr. Bijl described in detail the process of integration, focusing on the definitions used and on its individual as well as societal aspects. He indicated domains in which integration indicators should be developed (employment, education, social inclusion and active citizenship) as well as the criteria for selecting indicators in these domains. He also gave the examples of existing data sources to be further explored and possibly used. Discussion: During the discussion, the following points were highlighted: - to have reliable, complex data on migrants, multivariate analysis may be necessary e.g. issues of immigrant unemployment rates and poverty among immigrants cannot be considered in isolation and must particularly be considered in the context of the level of education and training; - the census is a vital source of detailed data on migrant populations; migration statistics mainstreaming adding migration-related core variables to surveys was a cost efficient way to develop socioeconomic data on migrants; - the importance of the exchange of best practices in migration statistics area between countries. It was noted that Eurostat and the NSIs had clear ambitions to develop reliable, high quality and multidimensional data on migrants. Given the costs involved and budget limitations, it would be important to focus cost effective solutions. Point 3.2 Panel discussion Representatives of those Member States participating in the Strategic Task Force had been invited to act as discussants: Niels Ploug (Statistics Denmark, DK); Antonio Argüeso (Instistituto Nacional de Estadistica, ES); 11

12 Cristina Freguja (Instituto Nazionale di Statistica, IT); Emília Saleiro (Instituto National de Estatistica, PT); Guy Goodwin (Office for National Statistics, UK). Presentation 1: Niels Ploug described the system of migration statistics in Denmark. The system is based solely on administrative sources; a key factor being the central personal registration number (CPR). The system of migration statistics involves cooperation between different actors (the Danish immigration service, municipalities, Central Population Register authority and Statistics Denmark). Detailed data can be obtained from the CPR register, i.e.: date of immigration, date of emigration, country of residence prior to immigration, country of residence following emigration, country of birth, country of citizenship, and if available parents' country of birth/citizenship. In further discussion, Mr Ploug focused on the yearly thematical publication from Statistics Denmark on migrants. He also explained to the DSS the rules of the inter-nordic agreement on population registration and the exchange of data between authorities in the different Nordic countries. Presentation 2: Antonio Argüeso focused on the needs for information on migrants, but from the point of view of data providers. He pointed out that there was always a need for migration statistics and that the first goal (for providers) seemed to be providing a consistent and coherent information system. He introduced two main directions for this activity: - providing updated and coherent figures on stocks and flows; - developing the statistical infrastructure to allow different analyses (mainly on integration). In the second part of the presentation, Mr Argüeso presented briefly the National Migrant Survey conducted in Spain in He explained the survey methodology, provided examples of questions used in separate modules as well as presenting the main results. Presentation 3: Cristina Freguja presented the analysis on target groups of migrants and natives based on the Italian Labour Force Survey 2008 ad hoc module Labour market situation of migrants and their descendants. She explained the difference between two main core variables country of birth and country of citizenship, as well as addressing the limitations of using only these two variables. Country of birth makes it possible to identify the immigrant population, while citizenship allows for measurement of the foreign population. The country of birth criterion excludes the children born to immigrant parents in host countries, and includes individuals of the host nationality who are born abroad. On the other hand, the citizenship criterion is unable to detect groups of longterm immigrants who become citizens. Ms Freguja highlighted that, for deeper analysis, other core variables were necessary. In order to identify different migration-related target groups it is necessary to consider as core variables also citizenship at birth and parents country of birth. Citizenship at birth makes it possible to identify nationals by acquisition (naturalized citizens). The use of parental background makes it possible to identify the descendants of migrants (second generation). Presentation 4: Emília Saleiro presented results from the Labour Force Survey 2008 ad hoc module Labour market situation of migrants and their descendants. She stressed that migration was a very difficult topic on which to provide good data.. Migration, particularly of foreign immigrants, has played an increasing role in the Portuguese demographic dynamics. As well as increased positive net migration, increased foreign population stocks had been a significant factor in the natural population increase in Portugal. Presentation 5: Guy Goodwin, presented recent developments in migration statistics in the UK. A Task Force report in 2006 had been critical of the fitness for purpose of available migration statistics and sought improvements. This was the first time that the suitability of migration statistics as an input to economic and labour market analysis had been so explicitly raised. 12

13 Mr Goodwin informed the DSS of an ongoing 4-5 year improvement programme for migration statistics (started in 2008). A review of the programme had called for a conceptual framework to be prepared. The resulting UK draft conceptual framework had been used as an input to the conceptual framework prepared by Eurostat. Looking at the UK experiences, Mr Goodwin remarked that the practical use of the conceptual framework could be quite limited, and yet there were many views on what it should include, so he suggested supporting the proposed framework from Eurostat and to focus future work on preparing a good work programme. Discussion: During the discussion, the following points were highlighted: - the need to take into account differences between the backgrounds of migrants (there are notable differences in host countries) conduct multivariate analysis to have reliable results on this; - to find simple workable classification for migration statistics; - migration statistics and integration should be more closely linked; - the picture of migrants based only on surveys could be misleading (as a significant proportion of migrants do not live in private households). Closing words Ms Šteinbuka, together with the chair of the panel discussion, Niels Ploug, invited members of the DSS to send further comments and opinions concerning the conceptual framework and draft work programme (initial deadline end of May). Ms Šteinbuka thanked the participants of the workshop for their very interesting and stimulating presentations and comments. The fruitful discussion would contribute greatly to the process of migration statistics mainstreaming. 13

14 4. Comitology items Three draft Commission Regulations presented and prepared by relevant Task Forces and Working Groups received a broad support from NSIs Draft Commission Regulation as regards statistics on the participation of adults in lifelong learning (final draft submitted to the ESSC on 20 May 2010) and 4.2. Draft Commission Regulation on statistics relating to vocational training in enterprises (final draft submitted to the ESSC on 20 May 2010) The draft Commission Regulation as regards statistics on the participation of adults in lifelong learning ("AES"), which is an implementing measure of Regulation n 452/2008 of the European Parliament and Council of 23 April 2008, and the draft Commission Regulation as regards statistics relating to vocational training in enterprises ("CVTS"), which is a revised implementing measure of Regulation n 1552/2005 of the European Parliament and the Council of 7 September 2005, which are at their final stage of discussion, were broadly supported and will therefore be submitted to the ESSC at its 5 th meeting of 20 May It should be noted that with regard to the "AES" Regulation, DE confirmed during the discussion its opinion in favour of three mandatory activities (and not two as proposed by Eurostat as a compromise) for providing information on non-formal education and training activities. The award of grants is foreseen in 2010 in order to facilitate the implementation of AES and to examine the revision of education variables in the EU LFS. Eurostat specified that manuals are under preparation for both draft Regulations, to be discussed by Task Forces to be held in coming weeks. They will include some technical remaining issues, including those mentioned before the meeting within the "Exchanging views" by DSS representatives Draft Commission Regulation as regards statistics on education and training systems (provisional draft for information and first comments) The draft Commission Regulation on statistics as regards education and training systems ("UOE"), which is also an implementing measure of Regulation n 452/2008 of the European Parliament and Council of 23 April 2008, was presented to the DSS for information and for a first discussion. Its main characteristic is to make mandatory from 2012 the transmission to Eurostat of an existing data collection common to UNESCO, OECD and Eurostat. The data collection relates to administrative data usually available at national level and already transmitted to Eurostat. Although derogations can be awarded within the scope of Article 6 (3) of Regulation n 452/2008, Eurostat intends to limit them by supporting in 2010 implementation actions through grants and by organising a Workshop in April on estimation techniques. Bilateral discussion on derogations will take place by mid May. An additional written consultation of the DSS will take place before the "UOE" Regulation is submitted to the ESSC in October Items for information 5.1. EU2020: main outlines and impact on demand for social statistics Eurostat presented the EU2020 strategy (successor of the Lisbon strategy, ) submitted in early March by the Commission to the Council which aims at achieving an economy based on smart, green and inclusive growth by

15 Against this background, 5 common targets were more specifically detailed. Three of them more specifically concern social statistics 2. Strong demand for statistics (in the areas of: education, skills, lifelong learning, research, innovation, digital economy, inclusion, etc.) as well as challenge to develop new statistics (eco-skills, green jobs, green economy, ehealth, web services, innovation-related skills, elearning, etc.) entailed by the implementation of the EU2020 strategy were highlighted. With respect to the monitoring of EU2020, the EU goals for the target indicators will be translated into national targets and trajectories. The 7 flagship initiatives (5 of them being directly linked to social statistics) proposed by the Commission were presented. Finally, the place of EU2020 as a major benchmarking framework for Europe, among major initiatives (like the GDP and beyond Communication or the Stiglitz report) and their coherence as a set of key drivers towards Modernising European Social Statistics, was pointed out The economic crisis: lessons for social statistics and roadmap for actions After a first discussion of the document on the lessons derived from the crisis at the September 2009 DSS meeting, Eurostat had revised the paper and supplemented it with a roadmap for a first set of improvement actions. The roadmap is consistent with the 2010 annual work programme and the 2011 priorities in the social field. Following the DSS consultation as well as internal discussions within Eurostat, the ESSC was informed about the initiative at its meeting of February Eurostat informed the DSS about the outcome of the consultation and presented the proposed roadmap of implementation. There was full support of actions related to the core variable project, the sharing of tools, and the better use of existing data. Provided that further discussions are held also within the relevant technical groups, the DSS were also in favour of putting a stronger focus on labour market dynamics, to achieve an early transmission of non-monetary SILC data and to harmonise the fieldwork period. As regards the proposals to extend the data collection on job vacancies, to increase the frequency of the data collection on residence permits (to be further discussed with the users), and to consider the use of the LFS and the ICT survey as rapid response tools, some countries expressed reservations. The crisis paper will provide key input for the comprehensive strategy for the modernisation of European social statistics. The DSS will be kept informed about ongoing/forthcoming work on the improvement actions at technical level ESS's input to the 2010 European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion Eurostat presented Eurostat s input for the 2010 year for combating poverty and social exclusion. Eurostat provides a complete portfolio of indicators (publicly available on the website) for the monitoring of the European strategy for social protection and social inclusion. This portfolio is mainly based on SILC data. Moreover, a brief overview of the relevant publications was provided. Finally, Eurostat referred to the organisation of the 2010 International Conference on comparative EU statistics on income and living conditions (Warsaw, 25 & 26 March 2010) as a particularly relevant event in the framework of the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion. Finally, countries were encouraged to communicate to Eurostat actions carried out at national level regarding the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion 2 75% of the population aged should be employed, the share of early school leavers should be under 10% and at least 40% of the younger generation should have a tertiary degree, 20 million less people should be at risk of poverty. 15

16 5.4. State of play Information society statistics Following some introductory background information with regard to information society statistics, Eurostat presented the latest developments in this area. These are mainly linked to Europe 2020 strategy and to the (currently under development at policy level) Digital Agenda for Europe ( ). With respect to legal basis, the DSS were informed that the new ICT statistics framework regulation was published in the OJ at the end of 2009 (duration of 10 years). The main change is that the amended framework regulation stipulates the mandatory transmission of micro data for the households and individuals survey. In addition, it limits the burden on respondents and NSIs to the current levels. Eurostat informed the DSS about the launch in 2010 of a project on the assessment of the impact of ICT on the performance of enterprises through (micro) data linking among CIS and ICT (enterprise part) surveys. With respect to the ICT survey on households, new indicators will be collected in the framework of the Digital Agenda for Europe (e.g. participation in social networks, use of wikis etc.). Finally, some of the key future challenges of ICT, as part of the general infrastructure and also as a tool with a potential impact on other statistics (e.g. ehealth, eskills, ), were underlined: Compromise between updating of list of indicators and continuity of statistical indicators; Timeliness and freshness important factor for quality of statistics; Exploitation of alternative ways of statistical data collection (Internet); Analysis of impact of ICT on society and economy via analysis of micro data Information on statistics on job vacancies The DSS were informed that the official launch of the PEEI on quarterly job vacancies in the context of the new legal framework would take place in June. Countries were asked to ensure readiness and to comply with the transmission deadlines. The first Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of Regulation 453/2008 is due in June The consultation of the DSS on the draft Report is scheduled for April/May Information on on-going ISCED review The DSS were informed about the ongoing ISCED review carried out under UNESCO's aegis, to be completed by By that date, only levels have to be revised. For that purpose, a worldwide consultation will be launched between June and September The final draft of the revised classification shall be issued in early Adoption by UNESCO is scheduled in autumn Eurostat is mainly involved in the following topics: - scope of education, - tertiary education and the Bologna structures, - educational attainment (definition and guidelines), - present ISCED level 4. The revision field of education classification will then be launched after Equality statistics: action plan 16

17 Eurostat presented, for information, the state of play regarding equality statistics. After the endorsement by the DSS in September 2009 of the Eurostat proposal for equality statistics, Eurostat developed an action plan for further progress including: The constitution of an internal TF in charge of developing, by end 2010, a new dedicated section with indicators based on existing data; As regard a classification on ethnic origin, the planned discussions in the migration WG (June 2010) and in the Core Social Variables WG (November 2010) about the addition of variables on country of birth/citizenship at birth; Methodological work on the sampling aspects of the module on experienced discrimination (to be later on implemented through a boosted Eurobarometer survey?); And finally, the planned discussions in the LAMAS and Living Conditions Working Groups and in the AES TF about the addition of a question on experienced discrimination. The DSS welcomed the action plan Recent developments in population statistics Eurostat presented the most recent developments in the area of population statistics and highlighted in particular the following: Work on Life expectancy by socio-economic group (in order to produce regular indicators) whose interest is now magnified by the Stiglitz report. Lifetables by educational attainment levels are currently under construction. Statistics in Focus could be published in April. The development of social and economic information on migrant populations: Draft Ministerial Declaration on integration in preparation by Spanish Presidency; Creation of the Migration Statistics Mainstreaming Strategic TF; LFS ad hoc module 2008 (ongoing quality assessment and preparation of the 2014 ad hoc module; first Statistics in Focus to be released shortly); Publication on the social situation of migrants (based on existing data sources in the area of migration statistics), but not as a joint Eurostat-OECD publication as expected first. Closure of the meeting The chair thanked all DSS, as well as representatives of ECB and DG EMPL and JLS for their active participation and thoughtful contributions throughout this meeting. 17