Ensuring the professional independence of European statistics: Much done, more to do?

Abstract. The principle of Professional Independence (PI) is the first principle of the European Statistics Code of Practice (ESCOP) and is of fundamental importance in ensuring both the high quality of the statistics and the trust of users. The core objective of the PI principle is to ensure that statistics are developed, produced, and disseminated in a manner that is free from political and other external interference. This paper traces the development and articulation of the principle over the past thirty years in the context of the wider formulation and adoption of the European Union (EU) framework legislation for statistics and the complementary ESCOP. It is argued that the principle is of key importance in establishing an institutional environment for official statistics that meets the needs of a more integrated European Union, while also being consistent with the EU's espousal of liberal democratic values. Issues with achieving full compliance by the EU Member States with the principle are examined and some proposals are put forward for further improvements in this respect.