EUROPEAN COMMISSION
EUROSTAT
Directorate F: Social statistics
Doc. DSS/2017/Oct/Draft minutes
DSS 3-4 OCTOBER 2017 – DRAFT MINUTES
MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL STATISTICS
LUXEMBOURG, 3 - 4 OCTOBER 2017
BECH BUILDING - ROOM QUÉTELET
24 October 2017
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1. Welcome and introduction from the Chair and approval of the agenda
and the minutes from the previous meeting
The Chairman, Mr Gallo Gueye, opened the meeting and welcomed the participants, in
particular those who were attending a DSS meeting for the first time.
1.1. The agenda was approved.
1.2. Two items were added under Any Other Business:
Global consultation on the International Recommendations on Refugee Statistics
(IRRS) and the Technical report on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) statistics.
Training on Differential Mortality at Statistics Austria.
The Chairman presented an update of major developments which have taken place since the
last DSS meeting in March 2017, namely:
Three implementing Regulations relating to Population and Housing Censuses were
adopted:
1. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/543 of 22 March 2017 laying
down rules for the application of Regulation (EC) No 763/2008 of the European
Parliament and of the Council on population and housing censuses as regards the
technical specifications of the topics and of their breakdowns.
2. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/712 of 20 April 2017 establishing the
reference year and the programme of the statistical data and metadata for population
and housing censuses provided for by Regulation (EC) No 763/2008 of the European
Parliament and of the Council.
3. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/881 of 23 May 2017
implementing Regulation (EC) No 763/2008 of the European Parliament and of the
Council on population and housing censuses, as regards the modalities and structure
of the quality reports and the technical format for data transmission, and amending
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2010.
On 22 September the ESSC unanimously supported the Implementing Regulation
needed for the conduct of the European Health Interview Survey wave 3 in 2019, the
data and metadata as well as a the Commission Decision giving derogations to eight
Member States.
The Implementing Regulation for the list of target secondary variables on
inter-generational transmission of disadvantages, household composition an income
evolution was also unanimously approved by the ESSC on the same day.
The Statistical session of 2017 DGINS was dedicated to intra-EU migration. It was a
very interesting and well organized DGINS hosted by Statistics Hungary in
Budapest. The Budapest memorandum on Population Movements and Integration
Issues – Migration Statistics, was approved by the ESSC. The Memorandum is
available on the circa site of the DGINS and a copy was distributed to the DSS
delegates.
1.3. The DSS was asked to formally approve the minutes of the previous meeting
(2-3 March 2017), which had been circulated to DSS members and modified in the light of
the comments received.
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The DSS formally approved the draft minutes of the previous DSS meeting (2-3 March
2017).
2. Nature of the meeting
The meeting was a non-public meeting gathering the European Directors of Social Statistics
together with representatives of customer DGs of the European Commission and related
organisations and institutions.
3. List of points discussed
Point 3
Modernisation programme for social statistics
3.1. Debriefing from the June 2017 LAMAS meeting
For information and discussion. Eurostat presented a document on the main outcomes of the
LAMAS meeting held on 19-21 June 2017.
- Breaks in time series
A. Presentation
For breaks in time series, LAMAS, made substantial progress, at their meeting in June 2017,
on what is to be transmitted to Eurostat (number of factors and reduced list of
indicators/breakdowns from 20 to 14) and on possible methodological approaches. However,
the importance attached to the issue and the progress made are very different from one
country to another. There is also a need to further discuss (1) the timetable for transmission of
the correcting factors, (2) the timetable for dissemination by Eurostat of break-free time
series, as well as (3) the strategy for coordinating national and EU releases. It is very difficult
to make further progress at this stage, given that 13 countries have no concrete plans yet.
B. Discussion
Discussion focussed on four main issues:
Concern with some series (indicators/breakdowns) corresponding to very small
groups: Eurostat clarified that the hypothesis of an impact factor equal to 1 for small
aggregates will be made.
Dissemination of break-free time series: while some countries want enough time to
analyse (1 year), this dissemination should, for others, be as quick as possible (within
4/5 months)
Need for consistency between Eurostat and national data
Need to agree on the first year of implementation of IESS as soon as possible in order
to have a final decision on the strategy at national level: this issue is under the
responsibility of the co-legislators; some countries however have already plans (PT
and DE (linked to the micro-census regulation) have a clear preference for 2020 –
others (FR) for 2021)
Finally, Eurostat informed that discussion is on-going about having a session on breaks in
time series in the 2018 LFS methodological Workshop that will take place in Iceland.
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C. Opinion
1. The DSS reiterated the high importance it attaches to the issue of potential breaks in time
series, considering that it is a collective responsibility to properly address and to develop
appropriate and coordinated communication about this topic.
2. The DSS supported the work and results achieved in the Labour Market Statistics Working
Group (LAMAS) including the reduction in the number of indicators to be transmitted with
respect to breaks in time series from 20 to 14, as compared with the initial proposal. The DSS
agreed that the correcting factor will be 1 for small groups.
3. The DSS stressed the need to agree on the first year of application of IESS as soon as
possible in the context of the IESS legislative procedure in order to allow for planning of
statistical work.
4. The countries that have not replied to the LAMAS consultation on national plans are
invited to do so to allow further progress to be made.
5. Breaks in time series will continue to be a recurrent item on the agenda of the DSS
meetings.
- Input harmonisation relating to the Labour Force Status
A. Presentation
On input harmonisation relating to the Labour Force status, progress has been made by
LAMAS on the development of simplified flowcharts, representing the right balance between
harmonisation requirements and needed flexibility. The main open issues relate to recovery
questions for small/occasional jobs, to simplified rules for people aged 65+ in the 'at work'
module, and on the precise definitions of parental/maternity/paternity leave.
B. Discussion
The DSS supported LAMAS work in relation to simplified flowcharts. Some countries
approved the use of input harmonisation while others asked for evidence that it leads to more
comparable data. Eurostat recalled that this was discussed in previous DSS meetings,
especially on the basis of the French experience on the order of questions with substantial
impact on the unemployment rate. Some DSS members asked for additional work on the
recovery questions to be made. Finally Eurostat expressed reservations on possible
derogation requests on this issue of input harmonisation.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS supported the work of LAMAS on the issue of input harmonisation relating to the
Labour Force Status and welcomed progress made on simplified flowcharts.
2. The DSS supported that LAMAS will continue its work with the objective to come to a
final decision in the LAMAS meeting of December 2017.
- Income from main job (INCDECIL)
A. Presentation
As a follow-up to the LAMAS/DSS decision in 2015 not to add household income to the
future LFS but to improve the quality of the INDECIL (income from work for main job)
variable, LAMAS had several discussions on this topic. Agreement has already been reached
on data transmission to Eurostat in a gross form (but to be collected either in gross or net
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form), on the transmission of an exact value (not deciles), and on the reference period to be
used.
Concern is expressed by several LAMAS members as regards the list of components to be
included in the income from work definition (proposed to be similar to the SILC variable)
and the possibility to improve the quality of the information to be transmitted, especially for
countries that will use net/gross conversion models and with high non-response. Support
from DSS would be appreciated.
B. Discussion
DSS supported the work done by Eurostat to improve the quality of the INDECIL variable
and it was clarified that the use of administrative data was accepted for this variable.
DSS asked LAMAS to further discuss on:
The reference period (last monthly pay) which can be problematic in connection with
annual payments and have a combined look with SILC colleagues
Issues related to imputation methods for exact values
The dissemination plans
C. Opinion
1. The DSS welcomed the results of LAMAS on the variable "income from main job"
(INCDECIL) and supported the proposed further work to improve the quality of this
information. It supported that this work would be carried out in the relevant Task Force and
in LAMAS.
2. Eurostat confirmed that this variable can be based on administrative data alongside
interview information
3.2. Topic for the LFS 2022 ad hoc module
For discussion. Discussion on the topic to be covered by the LFS 2022 ad hoc module.
A. Presentation
LAMAS has agreed to replace, in the future, the system of LFS AHM by a system combining
six regular modules and 2 AHM. The next AHM is planned for 2022 and the corresponding
topic is to be agreed in 2017.
Based on a consultation launched by Eurostat in the first half of 2017, 7 topics have been
proposed by Commission DGs for the LFS 2022 ad-hoc module (regulated professions; pay
components and reasons for earnings gaps, gig-economy, digitalization and employment
conditions, discrimination at work, collaborative economy and job skills)
On this basis, LAMAS recommended, in its June 2017 meeting, to have a module on job
skills with possibly up to two variables on gig/collaborative economy, if there is space for it.
The DSS was asked to give its opinion on the LAMAS proposal.
B. Discussion
All countries supported the LAMAS proposal to have job skills as the topic for the LFS
ad-hoc module 2022.
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DSS members were divided on the issue of including two variables on gig/collaborative
economy as part of the 2022 module: some countries agreed on testing such information;
others were doubtful because of the currently small size of this market or thought that a big
pilot study is required to study this issue that cannot be accommodated with 2 variables.
It was also recommended to look at the results of the 2018 ICT household component.
Finally, Eurofound asked whether it could participate in the LFS Task Force which will be set
up by Eurostat.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS unanimously supported 'job skills' as the topic for the 2022 LFS ad-hoc module.
2. The module should be entirely dedicated to job skills while separate pilot studies on
gig/collaborative economy should be conducted.
3. The results of the 2018 ICT-household survey should also be taken into account, as
appropriate.
3.3. Draft framework regulation on IESS (Integrated European Social Statistics) –
progress report
For information. Eurostat updated the DSS with the latest developments concerning IESS.
A. Presentation
Eurostat informed on the state of the file on the draft framework Regulation on Integrated
European Social Statistics (IESS). It was reminded that the Regulation was adopted by the
Commission in August 2016 and subsequently transmitted to the Council and the European
Parliament. Seven meetings took place at the Council, where the Regulation was on the
agenda, the last one in June 2017. There were no discussions in the Council Working Party
since then.
At the European Parliament, the report on the file has been adopted by the EMPL Committee
on 22 June 2017 and the EP has confirmed readiness to move to trialogue (an
interinstitutional stage of negotiations).
B. Discussion
The Estonian delegate informed the DSS that the Estonian presidency of the Council has
identified four priority files with Regulations to be discussed (IFS, GNI, IESS and FRIBS)
and depending on the progress made on the IFS and GNI files there might be a possibility to
bring the IESS Regulation on the agenda for discussion still before the end of the year.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS took note of the state of the IESS file at the Council and the European
Parliament.
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3.4. Standardisation of social variables – progress report
For information and discussion. Eurostat presented a progress report on the work as well as
proposals related to the standardisation of social variables.
A. Presentation
Eurostat informed about the latest progress achieved on the standardisation of variables and
concepts common to several social microdata collections.
Following the progress on P1 and P2 variables - 28 variables in total, including 18 core
variables (to be implemented in all the social-micro data collections) and 10 common
variables (included in some, but not all, social micro-data collections) - an additional list of
10 variables (P3 variables) proposed to be standardised was presented.
The standard descriptions were so far endorsed by the DSS for in total 27 variables while the
variable 'current household income' (28), originally in the list of P2 variables, was eventually
not part of the consultation, as the description for this variable is currently still under
development.
The list of P3 variables has been prepared with the aim of covering variables present in more
than one micro-data collection (but so far not included in the P1 and P2 lists) as the final step
in the process of 'standardisation of social variables'. In order to identify the remaining
variables that should be considered for standardisation, all of the similar variables in different
social data collections were analysed and 11 variables were selected to be included in the P3
list: 10 new variables, and former P2 variable ‘current household income’, as follows:
P3 variables Data collections
Income
(28) Current household income
Labour market
AES, EHIS, ICT HH,
HBS, HETUS, SILC
(29) Existence of previous employment experience / ever worked LFS, SILC
(30) Size of the local unit of the main job AES, LFS, SILC
(31) Supervisory responsibilities LFS, SILC
(32) Year in which the person started working for his/her current employer or as
self-employed AES, LFS
Education
(33) Year when the highest level of education was successfully completed AES, LFS, SILC
(34) Field of the highest level of education successfully completed AES, LFS
Technical variables
(35) Data collection mode / Interviewing mode used AES, LFS, SILC
(36) Type of interview / Nature of participation in the survey LFS, SILC
(37) Strata LFS, SILC
(38) Primary Sampling Units (PSU) LFS, SILC
Additionally, Eurostat proposed a standardised definition for the concept of 'private
household' to be used across all social microdata collections. It concerns persons usually
resident proving themselves with essentials for living and is defined as either a one-person
household, or a multi-person household. It distinguishes the case of flatmates or housemates
who occupy a dwelling on a house-sharing basis vs. a multi-person household, and allows for
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the opinion of the interviewee concerning one's situation to be considered in order to classify
the household (one-person vs. multi-person) appropriately.
The concept of 'usual residence' is currently under development. The aim is for the definition
of 'usual residence' to be in line with that included in the population and census Regulation
(EC) 763/2008 and its implementing Regulation (EC) 1201/2009 as well as the demography
Regulation (EU) 1260/2013.
B. Discussion
P3 variables
The delegates expressed general agreement to continue the standardisation process covering
the P3 variables, however some reservations were expressed in relation to variable (28)
"current household income", the "technical variables" included in the P3 list, in particular in
relation to distinguishing the concept of 'data collections mode' and 'type of interview', and,
finally, in which data collection(s) should each variable be included.
In relation to "current household income", the feasibility of implementing the variable in
surveys other than SILC was questioned. There were also comments pointing out to the fact
that the detail/complexity of this variable in surveys focusing on topics other than income
could not be the same as in the case of SILC, while still acknowledging the need for
harmonisation. The possibility of considering the use of registers to provide information on
current income was also mentioned. One delegate proposed to work firstly on the alignment
between LFS and SILC on the measurement of income, and only then possibly extending the
work to other surveys.
In answer to these comments, and in relation to the alignment between LFS and SILC on
measuring income, Eurostat explained that LFS only covers 'earnings' and that this alignment
represents a different exercise than standardisation - LFS represents an exception in the status
of the variable 'current household income' as a core variable. In relation to the standardisation
of the variable 'current household income', Eurostat acknowledged the difficulties in
measuring/implementing this variable, while underlying that the information it provides is
socially relevant and that these possible obstacles should not prevent us from continuing with
the development of a standard description for the variable to be used across surveys. Finally,
the possibility of using this variable in the production of the flash estimates for income
distribution was underlined.
In relation to the technical variables, Eurostat confirmed the importance of not mixing the
concepts of 'data collections mode' and 'type of interview (proxy or not)'.
Eurostat indicated that one of the purposes of including the variable 'data collections mode'
and 'type of interview' as P3 is to differentiate clearly between both concepts. Furthermore,
the standardisation will make it possible to overcome unnecessary divergences between the
versions of these two variables in different data collections.
Private household
Concerning the definition of 'private household' there was a general support of the DSS for
the proposed concept, with some fine-tuning to be done. A number of delegates requested
clarification on the difference between a multi-person household and a house-sharing
(housemates or flatmates). Eurostat explained that the concept of a multi-person household is
based on sharing overall household expenses, while the housemates would only share the
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house-related expenses. Eurostat confirmed that further clarifications will be included in the
explanations.
Some delegates raised concerns in relation to defining elements which are not part of the
sampling frame, such as e.g. persons living in boarding houses; however Eurostat explained
that the aim is to have a complete and exhaustive definition, which should not be mixed with
the coverage/population of the surveys.
Clarification was requested on the compatibility of excluding conscripts from the private
household population in the context of Regulation 1201/2009 and Eurostat explained that it
will be double-checked.
One delegate raised issues related to cases of people whose residence alternates between two
different dwellings; however Eurostat explained that this is foreseen to be addressed by the
introduction of the usual residence concept.
One country raised an issue of families whose need for shelter is provided by an institution
such as social housing. Eurostat requested that further details on such cases should be
elaborated and sent in writing by the countries concerned.
One delegate expressed concerns regarding the provisions allowing the interviewee to decide
on its status (one-person vs. multi-person household). In response Eurostat underlined the
importance of maintaining a degree of flexibility, considering that it is unfeasible to define
every possible scenario in a definition. The definition of 'private household' provide enough
guidelines to allow making decision on appropriate classification of specific cases, however a
degree of flexibility has to be given to the interviewees, as they are the persons with best
understanding of their own situation.
Lastly, one delegate expressed discontent with surveying only private households arguing
that in this case it would not be possible to analyse a breakdown of e.g. heath status of certain
groups of society by their living arrangements, and advocated that all households (private as
well as institutional) shall be covered. Eurostat explained that, for feasibility reasons, it has
been already previously decided by the DSS to focus exclusively on private households.
Eurostat additionally explained that the work is ongoing with an aim of finding a solution to
include the most important groups in a private household population, even in cases where
they live as part of the institution (e.g. tertiary students) and this issue remains to be further
addressed.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS supported the continuation of the work on standardisation of social variables and
the proposed list of P3 variables. Eurostat will make proposals for standardisation of these
variables to the relevant working groups, to collect their views and comments, and will report
back to the DSS for final endorsement.
2. The DSS gave its overall support to the proposed definition of private household and the
choices made. Clarifications of special cases should however be added to the document. For
that purpose, DSS members are invited to send (to [email protected]) their
specific comments and concerns by 13 October 2017. A new version of the document will
then be assembled and discussed in the Income and Living Conditions Working Group. The
final version will be presented to the DSS.
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3.5. Income, Consumption and Wealth (ICW) – progress report
For discussion. Eurostat presented a progress report on the ICW project.
A. Presentation
Eurostat presented the experimental results and progress for ICW project. In June 2017,
experimental data on joint distributions of ICW were published on Eurostat website1.
The experimental results are derived from the exercise of statistical matching between
EU-SILC, HBS and HFCS. The stamp 'experimental' makes it possible to publish the data
and warns the users (in particular policy makers) about the aspect of uncertainty related to
these statistics, while enabling the collection of feedback and reactions regarding the
usefulness of such data and the definition of indicators. In addition to the experimental data,
different communication products are made available to both a broad audience and advanced
users, and include two Statistics Explained articles, a methodological note, as well as a
forthcoming working paper. During the presentation, Eurostat showed some examples of the
ICW experimental data, as a poverty threshold based on consumption, median and aggregate
saving rates, comparison of Lorenz curves for income, consumption, savings and net wealth,
and the estimated proportion of households at risk of asset-based vulnerability depending on
the considered period of time. It is foreseen to update the ICW experimental data sets subject
to the availability of the HBS data for the 2015 wave. In case the Member States have better
data to be shared on these aspects, the ICW team renews its invitation to share these data.
Eurostat is planning to extend the exercise of statistical matching between EU-SILC and HBS
data to calculation of VAT and direct taxes for subpopulation groups as a percentage of
consumption and income, respectively.
The DSS was also informed of the set up by OECD and Eurostat of an expert group on the
ICW joint distribution at micro level. The first meeting is foreseen in November 2017. There
is a considerable interest by the EU Member States to participate in this work.
B. Discussion
Several delegates expressed their appreciation of the work done by Eurostat. The results of
the experimental data show that it is possible to derive joint distribution by means of
statistical matching, even if it remains a second best solution. PT insisted also on the
importance for this work to serve as a feedback for methodological issues regarding the
conduct of the surveys at the national level. In particular, it should contribute to increase
comparability of the data between household surveys, as well as the harmonization of
concepts across countries and surveys. Statistical practices implemented by the Member
States may also benefit from this input.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS welcomed the progress made and the plans on both joint distribution of income,
consumption and wealth (ICW) and better links between micro data and national accounts. It
expressed its appreciation of the work done on micro data and congratulated Eurostat
colleagues for the achievements. It stressed the importance of this work not only for meeting
policy data needs but also for supporting data quality improvement.
1 http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/experimental-statistics/income-consumption-and-wealth
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2. Eurostat invited DSS members to provide comments and feedback on the experimental
ICW results it published on Eurostat website in June 2017, if possible by mid-November.
3. The DSS members agreed to look into the availability of national data that would improve
these results.
3.6. Income distribution flash estimates (FE) – progress report
For discussion. Eurostat presented a progress report on the FE project current status and
future steps.
A. Presentation
Eurostat presented the recent actions taken in the area of flash estimates to address the strong
need of EU policy makers for better timeliness in income data. Flash estimates on income
2016 were published as experimental statistics in September 2017.
Seven indicators on income inequalities (at-risk-of-poverty rate (AROP) and inter-quintile
share ratio (QSR)) and on key deciles, the median of the quintiles (D1, D3, MEDIAN, D7,
D9) were produced for 27 countries for which data on income 2016 was not available. For 22
countries, the results were based on the microsimulation approach and the remaining on the
macroeconomic time series (METS) modelling approach. Their point estimates were not
published but instead the magnitude direction scale was used in order to avoid that
particularly non-significant changes are overemphasized by users, although it has the
drawback that point estimates are not centred in the class and could be very close to the
border between classes. Before being published, the flash estimates were subject to a
validation process in two phases with the Member States: 1) a validation of the methods in
the June SILC Working Group and 2) a validation of the results for 2016 during summer
where bilateral discussions took place between Eurostat and the NSIs to discuss their quality.
This assessment was based on both the quality of the process and the quality of the output,
where historical performance of the estimates and the plausibility of the results of 2016 based
on most recent data sources were analysed.
Eurostat explained that the main messages that can be extracted from the results are that:
1) there seems to be an overall increase in the disposable income; 2) the changes in AROP
and QSR are often not statistically significant; 3) it is important to analyse also the evolution
of the deciles to understand the changes in AROP and QSR; and 4) it is also very relevant to
look at the flash estimates along with the previous SILC time series.
Eurostat stressed that flash estimates were published as experimental statistics under the
responsibility of Eurostat, with the appropriate explanations concerning the model based
nature of the exercise. The label of experimental statistics puts the emphasis on receiving
feedback from users and the research community. There are three main documents available:
1) experimental results, 2) methodological notes, and 3) graphs to analyse the time
perspective.
Eurostat proposed as a way forward to: 1) collect feedback from users and producers about
the flash estimates published; 2) present the flash estimates to the users; 3) do an ex-post
analysis of the results when all SILC 2016 would be available; and 4) carry out the new
cycle, if possible focusing on improving the models and the dissemination.
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B. Discussion
The DSS members welcomed the work done by Eurostat and the Task Force to publish flash
estimates to address the strong need for timeliness on income indicators.
UK, FR and SE welcomed the possibility to use national flash estimates instead of the ones
produced by Eurostat given that it could improve the accuracy of the estimates due to better
and timelier access to national data sources.
Eurostat expressed that national flash estimates can be used, provided that the quality and
timing is at least the same as Eurostat produced flash estimates. They were not used in this
cycle as they were not delivered to Eurostat in time for the publication. Therefore there is a
need to keep on working together to assess the quality of all estimates in the same way.
One delegate stated that they are not convinced by the use of METS for estimating
distributions.
Eurostat reminded the DSS that results based on a more complex approach modelling the
whole distribution were developed over the last years but had several limitations and was
therefore abandoned. Eurostat suggested that it is perhaps more useful to focus on why
microsimulation is not working in some countries rather than further improving METS.
One delegate considered that it would be relevant to define a revision policy for EU-SILC if
point estimates are published in the future in order to avoid misleading users who should be
warned about revisions.
Eurostat assessed that it is early to define a revision policy and that perhaps it would be good
to continue using the magnitude direction scale next year.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS welcomed the publication, as experimental statistics, of income distribution flash
estimates (FE) by Eurostat in September 2017. It appreciated the work done, including
extensively consulting the countries on the methods and results. It congratulated Eurostat
colleagues on these achievements.
2. The DSS underlined the importance of improving the timeliness of income indicators.
3. It was agreed that national data complying with the quality and timing requirements could
be included in the process. Member States are invited to explore the possibility of producing
FE nationally.
4. The DSS acknowledged that access to national data by Euromod national teams and
Eurostat should be facilitated. Access issues will be discussed bilaterally with the Member
States concerned.
3.7. European Health Interview Survey
For discussion. Discussion on the latest proposals for the wave 3 of the European Health
Interview Survey to be carried out in 2019.
A. Presentation
Eurostat reminded previous implementations of waves 1 and 2 of EHIS and the dissemination
of their data, under the Framework Regulation 1338/2008 on Public health and health and
safety at work statistics. Concerning wave 3 to be implemented in 2019 according to the
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periodicity of EHIS as scheduled in this Framework Regulation, due to times constraints in
the implementation of IESS it will still be implemented under regulation 1338/2008.
In this context, the focus for wave 3 was the stability with wave 2 in order to analyse
evolutions, while some new variables were also included to take into account policy needs. In
addition, some mature elements developed for IESS were already taken into account
(standardised variables, methodology for precision requirements). Finally new modules on
disability, children health, patient experience, new dietary habits and positive mental health
were also developed and will be implemented on a voluntary basis with the support of grants
in order to test them with a view to preparing wave 4 to be implemented in 2025 under IESS.
Both Implementing Regulation and Decision on Derogations were adopted with unanimity by
the ESSC on 22/09/2017.
B. Discussion
It was clarified that the final text of the Implementing Regulation proposed by Eurostat and
adopted by the ESSC does not contain any reference to sampling frames.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS took note of progress in the preparation of EHIS wave 3 to be carried out in
2019.
2. The DSS confirmed that EHIS wave 3 will be implemented under the existing legislation
(Regulation 1338/2008), given the time constraints related to the draft IESS framework
Regulation.
3.8. Innovative tools and sources for Household Budget and Time Use Surveys – state of
play
For information. Eurostat updated the DSS with the latest developments on the
modernisation of household budget and time use statistics
A. Presentation
Eurostat reminded the agreement given by the DSS in October 2016 to work with Eurostat on
the modernisation of HBS and TUS as requested by the Wiesbaden Memorandum. Two TFs,
one for each survey, were launched and the ToRs were presented at the March 2017 DSS
meeting.
A first joint meeting of the two TFs took place in April 2017 where participants informed on
innovative work and developments ongoing at national level. Major outcomes of the meeting
were the need to carry out an inventory of existing projects and to establish communication
between Member States on the use of new tools and new sources. Ongoing grants for TUS
(launched in 2016 and 2017) support developments of web-diaries, as well as IT trackers and
activity monitoring. Further meetings are planned until the end of 2018 with a view to
providing inputs for the 2020 round of both surveys and decide on further work.
To support the work of the TFs, a Eurostat service contract will start soon in order to assess
future needs for both surveys, make the inventory of existing, under preparation or potential
tools and sources, and develop a prototype of an innovative tool for data collection that could
be used by all Member States for the 2020 round of HBS and TUS. The tool needs to be
adaptable to any environment with development at EU level and national adaptations
supported by grants. Further investigation of the possible usage of new data sources will be
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also carried out for the purpose of the implementation for the 2025 / 2030 rounds
respectively.
B. Discussion
A discussion on the aim and scale of the HBS survey took place, i.e. either carried out in
relation with the HICP, for detailed analysis of expenditures and groups of consumers or for
analysing links between income/EU-SILC and consumption/HBS. The need to solve the issue
of the decreasing response rate was also underlined.
Participants supported the modernisation work launched and the principle of developing open
architecture tools adaptable nationally. Need for links with developments in the area of short
term statistics as well as further work in simulation were also mentioned. Finally the need for
better sharing of national experiences, e.g., via workshops was also stated.
Eurostat indicated that it aimed at practical developments really useful in terms of decreasing
the burden on respondents and helping in getting higher response rates. On the longer term
the challenge is to have much less cumbersome surveys. It also reminded the importance of
the use of HBS in the context of the European Semester for assessment of the impact of
macro-economic and fiscal policies.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS took note of progress in the modernisation of the HBS and TUS. It stressed the
importance of this work, and indicated its wish to be regularly informed about the activities
and results of the Task Forces.
2. The DSS considered that exchange of good modernisation practices and knowledge should
be promoted and supported that a high level event should be organised in the future for that
purpose.
Point 4
Gender Based Violence Survey – state of play
For information. Eurostat presented the state of play of the Gender Based Violence Survey.
A. Presentation
Eurostat reminded the context of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) survey, namely the
Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic
violence, as well as EU policies in these domains. The DSS was informed in October 2016
about the decision of the Working Group on Crime and criminal justice statistics to set up a
TF for the development of a GBV survey. Also Eurostat signed a grant agreement in 2016
with ISTAT to support the work of the TF.
The TF met twice in February and June 2017 so far and was also consulted by written in
various opportunities. It was decided to pilot the survey on both women and men 18+, and to
cover also questions on violence in childhood, knowledge of support services, opinion on
GBV in the country, health consequences, and an additional module on victimisation. A first
draft questionnaire is now available for pretesting until the end of 2017 and then a revised
draft questionnaire will be developed accordingly for pilot testing until the end of January
2019. A call for proposals was launched for this purpose and 11 applications were received
for a bit more than 1.1 million EUR required. Further funding for the pilot survey can still be
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14
provided by a call in early 2018 if Member States need it (to be indicated by mid-October).
Funding is also intended for the planned implementation of the survey in 2020.
B. Discussion
The DSS required clarification on the date (year and possibly period of the year) for
implementation of the final survey as the process for setting it up is still long. Eurostat
indicated that it would meet DG JUST very soon in order to clarify the political needs.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS took note of progress in the preparation of the gender based violence survey
(GBV).
2. The DSS was informed that funding is still available for 2018, for carrying out pilot
surveys. Any expressions of interest, including an estimation of the funds needed, should
arrive to Eurostat by mid-October.
3. The DSS would welcome clarifications on the calendar for the implementation of the GBV
survey.
Point 5
Links between social protection/health/education statistics and national accounts
For information. Eurostat updated the DSS with the latest developments on the links between
social protection/health/education statistics and national accounts
A. Presentation
Eurostat reminded the Council Conclusions dated 8 November 2016: "….The Council
recognises the importance of timelier, better and integrated data on…., as well as on major
components of social expenditures".
The work-plan for the three areas was briefly presented and results so far achieved
highlighted: for both social protection and education, comprehensive documents on
conceptual differences between ESSPROS, respectively education, and national accounts
were developed together with a framework for data comparison. In this respect a pilot
reconciliation exercise for education should take place by the end of 2017. Early estimates on
social protection should be developed gradually on a pilot basis starting from September
2018 onwards and a joint Workshop with national accounts should be held in May 2018. In
the area of health, the annual Working Group in November 2017 will discuss priorities for
future methodological development.
B. Discussion
The delegate from PT indicated the need for a medium-term planning of the different actions
in these three areas with a view to better anticipate resources at national level.
The representative from France explicitly supported the project, both in education and social
protection, while referring to the complexity in the area of health.
C. Opinion
1. The DSS took note of the progress on the activities related to the links between social
protection/health/education statistics and national accounts.
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15
2. For the actions launched by Eurostat, the DSS supports the development and reinforcement
at national level of the links between these statistics and national accounts, in particular in the
areas of social protection and education.
Point 6
Compliance monitoring
For information. Eurostat presented the situation with respect to compliance with legislative
acts in the area of social statistics.
A. Presentation
Eurostat presented the situation with respect to compliance with legislative acts in the area of
social statistics.
B. Discussion
None.
C. Opinion
Opinion
1. The DSS took note of the information provided on the annual compliance monitoring
exercise. Despite regular improvements over years some difficulties remain, either due to
specific reasons or to more long term issues. Eurostat will send the non-compliance letters
according to the procedures in force and is of course in contact with MS in order to find
appropriate ways forward and to support the efforts made, which is most welcome.
Point 7
Priorities for social statistics
7.1. Flexibility of work on the labour market
For information and discussion. Presentation of the work and conclusions from the
experience of Statistics Netherlands
A. Presentation
The CBS presented some analysis of the 'Flex workers' in the Netherlands. Flex workers are a
very heterogeneous group and there is a need for detailed information on different types of
flex workers as well as for longitudinal information on (flexible) employment relations.
There are two main types of Flex workers in the Netherlands: Workers on payroll contracts
and Dependent self-employed workers. The Labour Force Survey is a source of information
for the two groups of 'Flex workers'. In addition register base information is also available for
each of those groups.
Type of flexible contracts as well as transitions to permanent jobs or out of work by
educational level for workers on payroll contracts were shown. Regarding Dependent self-
employed workers, the analysis covered several aspects: types of self-employment, whether
they sell labour or products, reasons to become self-employed, economic dependence,
longitudinal information …
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16
The research will continue although there are still some problems for linking registers which
would need to be solved.
The current conclusions of the research are:
Policy makers need detailed longitudinal information on different types of flex
workers
By combining several sources, both surveys and registers we are able to develop new
statistical information on the subject
Biggest challenge: linking information of flex workers to information on organisation
who employ or hire flex workers
B. Discussion
The definition of 'Flex workers' was discussed. Some delegates suggested that different
definitions could be possible and that not always a person with flexible contract is in a
vulnerable situation. On a question on why not to use the longitudinal component of the LFS
versus register data, CBS replied that the LFS only allows the interviewee to be followed for
one year, while registers do not have this limitation. It was also highlighted that the topic
covered by the presentation is high policy relevant. It is also an increasing phenomenon with
several dimensions. One of the problems at European level is the access to register data
sources.
The representative of Eurofound informed of three reports on the subject recently published
by her organisation. Links to the reports are:
1. 'In-work poverty in the EU':
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/report/2017/in-work-poverty-in-the-eu
2. 'Exploring self-employment in the European Union':
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/report/2017/exploring-self-employment-
in-the-european-union
3. 'Non-standard forms of employment: Recent trends and future prospects':
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/customised-report/2017/non-standard-
forms-of-employment-recent-trends-and-future-prospects
C. Opinion
1. As a contribution to the series of presentations on priorities for social statistics, CBS
presented the Dutch experience on the flexibility of work on the labour market;
2. The DSS welcomed the interesting presentation on this very important subject and
underlined the need to pursue work on this topic.
Point 9
Any other business
Global consultation on the International Recommendations on Refugee Statistics
The UN recommendations on refugee statistics are prepared by the Expert Group on Refugee
and Internally Displaced Persons Statistics (EGRIS), an initiative based on the proposal by
Statistics Norway, Eurostat, the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Office of the United
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17
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The recommendations will comprise
three guiding documents:
1. International Recommendations on Refugee Statistics (IRRS) — the publication will
be a reference guide for national and international work concerning statistics on
refugees and asylum seekers (to UNSC in March 2018 - 49th
session);
2. Technical Report outlining a way forward for development of comparable
international standards for statistics on Internally Displaced Persons (to UNSC in
March 2018 49th
session);
3. Refugee Statistics Compilers Manual, with operational instructions on how to collect
statistics on refugees and asylum seekers (to UNSC March 2019 - 50th
session).
The following ESS member countries are involved in the work of EGRIS: Bulgaria, Belgium,
Austria, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Germany, the United Kingdom and Norway.
These recommendations are very important for the statistical community as they will set up
an internationally agreed conceptual framework for refugee statistics; they will help in
harmonising national and international statistics in this area, as well as they will provide
guidance on compiling statistics on refugee including such aspects like well-being and
integration.
Eurostat drew the attention of DSS members on the forthcoming UN consultation on
international recommendations relating to refugee statistics, which is planned for November
2017, in view of their adoption by the United Nations Statistical Commission. Eurostat
emphasized the importance of these recommendations for the availability of comparable
statistics on refugees and urged DSS members to strongly support this exercise.
Training on Differential Mortality at Statistics Austria
Statistics Austria announced the organisation of a training event on differential mortality in
relation to the international research project FACTAGE (Fairer Active Ageing for Europe). It
presented some details about the content and organisation of the training. The event will take
place on 25-26 April 2018 in Vienna, Austria. It invited and encouraged DSS members to
attend the event. For additional information delegates may contact Tobias Goellner
(Guglgasse 13, 1110 Vienna; phone: +43 (1) 71128-7363; fax: +43 (1) 71128-7445; e-mail:
4. Final conclusions and next steps
The next meetings are scheduled for 4-5 December 2017 (DSS Board) and 1-2 March 2018
(DSS).
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List of participants
Country / Organisation Delegate name
Austria Joseph KYTIR
Belgium Lydia MERCKX
Bulgaria Magdalena KOSTOVA
Croatia Dubravka ROGIĆ-HADŽALIĆ
Cyprus Onisiforou KOULIA
Czech republic Martin ZELENY
Denmark Sven EGMOSE
Estonia Kutt KOMMEL
Finland Jari TARKOMA
France Chantal CASES
Germany Ruth BRAND
Germany Lars REDERT
Greece Theano TYFOXYLOU
Iceland Hrafnhildur ARNKELSDÓTTIR
Ireland Richard Mc MAHON
Ireland Donal KELLY
Italy Vittoria BURATTA
Latvia Maranda BEHMANE
Lithuania Regina DEVEIKYTĖ
Luxembourg Jérôme HURY
Hungary Katalin JANÁK
Malta Etienne CARUANA
Netherlands Paul VAN DER LAAN
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Country / Organisation Delegate name
Netherlands Marleen VERBRUGGEN
Netherlands Wendy SMITS
Norway Torstein Arne BYE
Poland Grażyna MARCINIAK
Poland Agnieszka ZGIERSKA
Portugal Emilia SALEIRO
Romania Silvia PISICA
Slovakia Ludmila IVÁNCIKOVÁ
Slovenia Ana BOZIC-VERBIC
Spain Antonio ARGÜESO JIMÉNEZ
Switzerland Markus SCHWYN
Sweden Mikael SCHÖLLIN
United Kingdom Emma ROURKE
Albania Ledia THOMO
Bosnia and Herzegovina Fadil FATIC
Kosovo */UNSR 1244 Anvi KASTRATI
Montenegro Milena VUKOTIC
Republic of Serbia Dragana DJOKOVIC-PAPIC
The former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia
Ajrija CHAUSHOSKA
Turkey Meral DAŞKIRAN
EIGE Thérèse MURPHY
EUROFOUND Daphne AHRENDT
DG EAC Bartek LESSAER
DG SANTE Philippe ROUX
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Country / Organisation Delegate name
DG SANTE Fabienne LEFEBVRE
DG SANTE Mihály SZABO
EFTA Liridona MURIQ
ESAC Agnieszka PIASNA
