Article 10

In order to ensure the best possible quality in both deontological and professional aspects, Community statistics shall be governed by the principles of impartiality, reliability, relevance, cost-effectiveness, statistical confidentiality and transparency. The principles referred to in the first subparagraph are defined as follows: 'impartiality` is an objective and independent manner of producing Community statistics, free from any pressure from political or other interest groups, particularly as regards the selection of techniques, definitions and methodologies best suited to the attainment of the objectives as set out. It implies the availability of statistics, with a minimum delay, to all users (Community institutions, governments, social and economic operators, academic circles and the public in general); 'reliability` is the characteristic of Community statistics to reflect as faithfully as possible the reality which they are designed to represent. It implies that scientific criteria are used for the selection of sources, methods and procedures. Any information on the coverage, methodology, procedures and sources will also improve data reliability; 'relevance` shall mean that the production of Community statistics is a function of clearly defined requirements determined by the Community objectives. These requirements determine the fields, timeliness and scale of statistics, which should keep abreast of new demographic, economic, social and environmental developments at all times. Data collection should be limited to what is necessary for attaining the desired results. The production of Community statistics which has ceased to be of interest for Community objectives should be abandoned; 'cost-effectiveness` shall mean the optimum use of all available resources and the minimization of the burden on respondents. The amount of work and the costs which the production of statistics requires should be in proportion to the importance of the results/benefits sought; 'statistical confidentiality` shall mean the protection of data related to single statistical units which are obtained directly for statistical purposes or indirectly from administrative or other sources against any breach of the right to confidentiality. It implies the prevention of non-statistical utilization of the data obtained and unlawful disclosure; 'transparency` shall mean the right of respondents to have information on the legal basis, the purposes for which the data are required and the protective measures adopted. The authorities responsible for collecting Community statistics shall take every step to supply such information. CHAPTER IV Dissemination

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-11-07 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.