Brussels, 2-7 November 2025
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the European Statistics Code of Practice through Decision No 235/2008/EC. To commemorate this milestone, Eurostat and the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board (ESGAB) hosted a series of high-level events in Brussels, bringing together leadersand experts from across the European Statistical System (ESS).
Background
Since its adoption, the European Statistics Code of Practice has served as an ethical and moral compass for National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) within the ESS. It has guided institutions in upholding the principles of independence, integrity, and accountability, ensuring that official statistics remain trustworthy and credible for policymakers and citizens alike.
Malta Statistics Authority’s Contribution
- ESGAB Seminar Participation
Dr. Carl Camilleri, Chairman of the Malta Statistics Authority (MSA), took part in ESGAB’s seminar “Establishing of a European Network of Statistics Governance Institutions.”
The proposal for setting up such a network was met with mixed reactions, reflecting both enthusiasm for stronger European cooperation and caution about preserving national independence and avoiding institutional overlap.
- Eurostat Conference
Dr. Camilleri was also an active participant in Eurostat’s conference, serving as a panel member in the discussion “Ensuring professional independence in daily work.”
During this session, NSIs presented proposals and recommendations aimed at reinforcing the independence of official statistics, particularly at a time when rapid technological advancements are reshaping production methods and data ecosystems.
Key Takeaway
Malta’s contribution to the anniversary events underscored its commitment to safeguarding professional independence and engaging in the evolving dialogue on statistical governance. The discussions highlighted both the achievements of the past 20 years and the challenges ahead, as the ESS adapts to new technologies while remaining anchored in the principles of the Code of Practice.
