In May 2005, the European Commission promulgated in a recommendation the Code of Practice promulgated. It sets out guidelines for all institutions taking part in the European Statistical System (ESS).
By means of 15 ethical principles, the Code constitutes a framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics. In particular it aims at ensuring that statistics are free from political interference and based on recognised scientific methods. Measurable indicators make it possible to check whether the Code of Practice is being respected.
Its application is monitored by EU bodies and by the member statistics offices of the ESS which carry out systematic self-evaluations and undergo peer reviews.
Below are the results of the Peer Reviews carried out to date. Monitoring of the improvement recommendations made during these reviews appears in quarterly reports. Every five years the EU makes an assessment of the peer reviews carried out.
Switzerland takes part in the ESS pursuant to the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics concluded with the EU, which came into force on 1 January 2007. The legal bases of the ESS are laid down in the regulation (EC) 223/2009 of 11 March 2009 on European statistics. The Code of Practice and this regulation form an integral part of the agreement.