The Code of European Statistics celebrates 20 years of existence
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In 2025 the European Statistical System celebrates an important anniversary - 20 years since the adoption of the Code for European Statistics. This document, approved by Eurostat and national statistical institutes on 25 February 2005, was a turning point in ensuring the quality, transparency and independence of statistics in the EU.
The Code includes 16 principles and 84 indicators covering the institutional environment, data collection and publication processes. All national authorities producing European statistics are committed to following these standards and their compliance is regularly checked through peer reviews.
On 25 May 2005, the European Commission formally recognised the Code as common standards and encouraged Member States to enforce them. This has provided a solid basis for building a common statistical culture in the European Union, giving added legitimacy to the data on which public policy is based.
The Code has undergone two major revisions in two decades. These were necessary to accommodate technological shifts, changes in data collection methods, rising public expectations and demands for transparency. These updates have kept the document relevant and applicable in a rapidly changing environment.
The Code's strengths are its flexibility and ability to adapt to future challenges. In an era of growing data volumes, artificial intelligence and automation, the need for clear standards that guarantee the reliability and independence of information is only increasing.
A high-level international conference on the role of the Codex in building trust in official statistics is planned for November 2025. The event will be a platform not only to analyse the past, but also to reflect on the future - how to maintain and strengthen the Codex's position in the face of growing competition for public attention and the risks of data manipulation.
With more and more decisions being made on the basis of statistical information, it is tools such as the Code for European Statistics that allow citizens, policy makers and researchers to rely on validated and comparable data.
