The National Conference themed “Data for Today and Tomorrow” was held on the 17^th November 2025 at the Malta University Campus in Valletta, bringing together leading figures in the statistical and data community.

Opening Address – Mr. Etienne Caruana, NSO Director General

Mr. Caruana opened the conference with a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s short-to-medium term plans. He encouraged active participation in all panel discussions, stressing that the insights gathered would help strengthen the NSO’s role as Malta’s central hub for official data and enhance its connection with diverse audiences.

Highlights – Dr. Carl Camilleri, MSA Chairman

Dr. Camilleri presented findings from last year’s user survey, which confirmed the NSO’s strong reputation and high level of public trust. This trust stems from the NSO’s strict adherence to the European Statistics Code of Practice in its production and dissemination processes.

He also reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing statistical institutions, including:

• Advances in computational power,
• Adoption of open-source software, and
• Integration of artificial intelligence into statistical systems.

Dr. Camilleri highlighted that while AI and the acquisition of privately held data offer transformative potential, they also introduce new legal and ethical challenges that must be carefully addressed.

Contribution – Mr. Jean Pierre Poncelet, Eurostat

Representing Eurostat, Mr. Jean Pierre Poncelet, Director for Standards, Dissemination, and Cooperation in the European Statistical System, reiterated the importance of upholding the Code of Practice in today’s highly polarised political landscape. He also provided insights into the European Statistical Programme, underlining the value of collaboration across national statistical institutes to ensure credibility, resilience, and innovation in official statistics across the EU.

Panel Discussions

Panels on Economics, Social, and Business Statistics followed, featuring contributions from: Mr. Spiteri Gingell, Ms. Marisa Xuereb, Prof. Philip von Brockdorff, Mr. J.P. Fabri, Prof. Sue Vella, Mr. Silvan Mifsud, Dr. Marthese Portelli, Dr. Aaron G. Grech and Mr Toni Attard.

Key Outputs of the Discussions

A more balanced approach towards timely data for decision-making, even if quality aspects may need to be moderated.

Improved data retrieval tools to assist users and researchers.

Increased availability of granular data content.

Expansion of data products covering non-regulated sectors.

Methodological alignment to better meet national priorities.

Updated memorandum of understanding signed between the Central Bank of Malta, the Malta Statistics Authority and the National Statistics Office

An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Central Bank of Malta, the Malta Statistics Authority, and the National Statistics Office (NSO). This MoU focuses on the exchange of statistical information and strengthened cooperation in the area of economic and financial statistics.

The signatories to the agreement are the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Professor Edward Scicluna, the Chairman of the Malta Statistics Authority, Dr Carl Camilleri, and the Director General of the National Statistics Office, Mr Etienne Caruana.

The MoU builds upon a long-standing professional cooperation between the Central Bank of Malta and the National Statistics Office. It includes appropriate provisions covering a wide range of statistical areas within which the entities collaborate to fulfil their national and international mandates. Among others, these areas include the sharing and transfer of statistical data and registers, the exchange of knowledge and resources, and the fulfilment of enhanced statistical requirements at the European and international level.

Through the MoU, the institutions also commit to maintaining the highest statistical standards while further enhancing cooperation in statistical information systems and IT infrastructure.

During the event, Mr Caruana underscored the strategic importance of enhanced collaboration between the National Statistics Office and the Central Bank of Malta. He highlighted that the exchange of data strictly for statistical purposes is essential to improving the quality and timeliness of official statistics. Mr. Caruana expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in recent years, noting that the partnership has strengthened considerably. This joint effort is guided by the principles of producing more robust statistical outputs and adhering to the once-only principle.

Dr. Carl Camilleri remarked that the signing of subsequent agreements stands as a testament to the ongoing cooperation between the two institutions. He emphasized that the sharing of information and expertise is essential in today’s fast‑paced, globalized economy.

Professor Scicluna noted that “this agreement will further enhance collaboration among the Parties, fostering the exchange of vital statistical data and supporting continuous improvements in quality and standard.’’

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.