Report on the Implementatison2003-2007-final,6.4.2009...Report on the Implementation of the...

REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA

REPORT

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEDIUM‐TERM PROGRAMME OF STATISTICAL SURVEYS

2003‐2007

Ljubljana, December 2008

Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007

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Within the 2003–2007 period, national statistics were produced by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SORS) and authorised producers, appointed (as defined) in the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007, Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), No. 10‐335/2003), namely: Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services (AJPES), Bank of Slovenia (BS), Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia (IVZ), Ministry of Finance (MF), Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (ZPIZ), Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ), and Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS).

Person responsible: Irena Križman, MSc, Director‐General of the Statistical Office of the Republic of

Slovenia

Telephone: (01) 241 51 00

Fax: (01) 241 53 44

Website: www.stat.si

Collected and edited by: Nina Stražišar, Ana Novak

Participants: SORS: Irena Križman, MSc; Frida Braunsberger; Andreja Hočevar; Karmen Hren, MSc; Zala Kalan; Ema Mišič; Tomaž Smrekar; Mojca Suvorov; Alenka Škafar Božič; Metka Zaletel; Erika Žnidaršič; Jana Žužek; Bojana Jemec Zalar, MSc; Rudi Seljak; Polona Štrekelj; Tina Ostrež; Katja Šnuderl and other heads of SORS internal organisational units. Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services (AJPES): Marjan Širaj, MSc; Bank of Slovenia: Janez Fabijan, Dušan Murn; Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia (IVZ): Jana Trdič; Ministry of Finance (MF): Stane Vencelj, Eva Križnik; Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (ZPIZ): Dr Ines Sarazin Lovrečič; Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ): Sonja Pirher; Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS): Janko Štok, Daniela Dimič.

Language Editing: Secretariat‐General of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia – Translation and Interpretation Division Boris Panič, SORS

Printed by: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia

Print run: 100

ISSN 1855‐6574

Publishing and citing of the text are permitted only with a reference to a source.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Introductory Notes........................................................................................................................................... 7

1. IMPACTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT on the contents and implementation of the medium‐term programme ...................................................................................................................... 9

2. AUTHORISED PRODUCERS of National Statistics in Medium‐term Period .................................................11

3. OPERATING CONDITIONS Providing Long‐term Success of National Statistics ......................................... 15

3.1 A Sound LEGAL basis for producing national statistics..................................................................... 15

3.2 Successful co‐operation with USERS of statistical data and services .................................................17

3.3 Active INTERNATIONAL CO‐OPERATION and strengthening the international reputation of Slovenia ....................................................................................................................... 20

3.4 REGISTER ORIENTATON and reduction of administrative burdens ................................................. 21

3.5 User‐friendly ACCESS to statistical data and information ................................................................ 24

3.6. Total QUALITY CONTROL by introducing the European Statistics Code of Practice ....................... 25

3.7 DATA PROTECTION for Strengthening Confidence of Data Providers ............................................. 27

3.8 EDUCATION and Human Resource MANAGEMENT........................................................................ 28

3.9 Integration of National Statistics with SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Organisations ................................. 30

3.10 New Innovative Approaches in STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY and PROCESS ORIENTATION ....................................................................................................... 30

4. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SLOVENIAN NATIONAL STATISTICS SYSTEM IN THE PERIOD 2003–2007 ......................................................................................................................... 32

4.1 DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICAL FIELDS in the Medium‐term Period ........................................... 32

4.1.1. DEMOGRAPHIC and SOCIAL Statistics.................................................................................. 32

4.1.2 MACROECONOMIC Statistics .................................................................................................37

4.1.3 BUSINESS Statistics ............................................................................................................... 41

4.1.4 Statistics of AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES....................................................... 44

4.1.5 MULTI‐DOMAIN Statistics ..................................................................................................... 45

4.2 DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE in the medium‐term period ........................ 49

4.2.1 Achieving greater STANDARDISATION in the statistical process .......................................... 49

4.2.2 Concern for QUALITY ........................................................................................................... 50

4.2.3 Development of statistical METHODOLOGY......................................................................... 52

4.2.4. Electronic data processing and development of information technology at SORS................ 53

4.2.5 Updating standard CLASSIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 54

4.2.3 Development of STATISTICAL REGISTERS ........................................................................... 56

4.2.7. International Co‐operation and European Affairs.................................................................. 58

4.2.8 Development of DISSEMINATION and PROTECTION of statistical data .............................. 60

REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................. 62

ANNEX........................................................................................................................................................... 64


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No: 96000‐2/2008/4 Ljubljana, 7 January 2009 On the basis of the second paragraph of Article 25 of the National Statistics Act (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), Nos. 45/45 and 9/01), the Government of the Republic of Slovenia at its 7th regular session on 7 January 2009 (item 14 of the agenda) adopted the following

DECISION

"The Government of the Republic of Slovenia took note of the Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007".

Milan Martin Cvikl, MSc

SECRETARY‐GENERAL Copies of the Decision to: ‐ ministries and government offices.


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The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia

at its 28th regular session on 8 December 2008

discussed the Draft Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007

and adopted the following

DECISIONS

1. The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia, at its 28th regular session on 8 December 2008, under point 2, took note of the Draft Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 and proposed SORS to modify it in accordance with proposals of the members of the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia and to submit it to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for adoption.

2. The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia proposed that the Government of the Republic of Slovenia temporarily exempt SORS from its obligation to reduce the number of personnel and to take this into account in the 2009 personnel plan.

3. The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia invited the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to accelerate the search for suitable work premises located at one place to provide for improved quality in the operation of the SORS. Currently, the office is based at two sites, where premises are not suitable for operation, and where the health and safety of people, and information security, are endangered; the unnecessarily complex logistics of work because of the two locations also makes for waste.

Prof. Dr. Anuška Ferligoj

President of the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia


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Introduction In the medium‐term period 2003–2007, the Slovenian national statistics system provided successful data support to Slovenia’s accession to the EU and integration into the European Monetary Union, helped to acquire observer status at the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD), an excellent starting point for membership, while also allowing successful participation in the European Statistical System and international statistics. Meanwhile, the statistics system endeavoured to reach an important balance between the quality of products and suitability for the users on the one hand, and the reduction of administrative obstacles or burdens in the production of statistical data and analysis on the other hand. Independent expert surveys from the introduction of the European Statistics Code of Practice and other expert surveys showed that the authorised producers of the Slovenian national statistics and, in particular, SORS as the co‐ordinator and the main producer of national statistics, had introduced good practice which is currently among the best EU practice, recommended to other EU Member States and EU candidate countries.

Throughout the period, numerous activities were focused on maintaining the confidence of the users and data providers. In this context, a system of data security and protection, and in particular microdata management, was established. SORS monitored satisfaction of users through surveys on satisfaction, which show the confidence in and reputation of the national statistics. However, there are still many concrete suggestions coming from users, collected systematically by the help of more than 400 external members of the Statistical Advisory Committees and by the Statistical Council as the top expert and advisory body for national statistics. Despite the development of new web services and an ever‐increasing use of statistical data by the general public, special attention was paid to the communication with the media which are, in a time of fast access to information, a particularly important partner in providing data and information to users. At the end of the medium‐term period, preparations for the presidency of the EU Council Working Party on Statistics were under way and in this context significant progress in drafting the statistics legislation was achieved, including the EU statistics framework act. In general, the representatives of SORS, the Bank of Slovenia and other institutions involved in national statistics actively participated in development of European and international statistics, and thus contributed to raising Slovenia's profile and enhancing its reputation. Even though the national statistics and the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia are among the smallest in the EU, they successfully fulfilled their duties, set in the medium‐term programme and realised through the annual programmes. A new medium‐term programme was prepared. A strong legislative system, mostly well organised registers and records as well as smooth co‐operation with partner institutions in the country and at the international level provided support in drafting the programme. However, the problem of staff reduction, with the number of staff reaching the critical point, and the problem of unsuitable work premises remain issues which have not been solved despite several governmental decisions.

On behalf of SORS, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our successful work in the last medium‐term period. Slovenia is now a successful Member State of the EU and the euro area, and is expected to become an OECD member country in 2009. According to international reviews and surveys on user satisfaction, statistical support was assessed to be adequate and we will make every effort to keep user satisfaction at this level in the future. We invite you to join us in addressing the numerous challenges defined in the 2008–2012 medium‐term programme. These challenges include new areas of statistics, raising quality, provision of even better data security systems, innovative approaches to methodology and processes, a reduction in administrative burdens, communication with different user groups, training of employees and education of users. New technologies and an increased use of data by the general public open up the possibility of increasing statistical and information literacy.

IRENA KRIŽMAN, MSc

Director‐General of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia


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Introductory Notes The Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia) No. 10‐335/2003) has been produced in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 25 of the National Statistics Act (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia) No. 45/1995 and 9/2001), stipulating that at the end of the period covered by the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys, SORS, in co‐operation with the authorised producers of national statistics, shall prepare a final report and submit it to the Government within a year.

On 14 December 2005, at its 18th session, the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia discussed the Interim Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–20071. The second paragraph of Article 25 of the National Statistics Act also stipulates that in the third year of the implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys, SORS shall also prepare an interim report on its implementation and submit it to the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 is a document, prepared by SORS, in co‐operation with the authorised producers of the national statistics, namely, the Bank of Slovenia, the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services, the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Finance, the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia and the Employment Service of Slovenia.

This report, prepared and approved by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, provides information useful to statistical data users and providers, as well as to all institutions and individuals directly or indirectly involved in implementation of national statistics tasks within the medium‐term period. The comprehensive structure of the report explains the complexity of the operation of the Slovenian statistical system in the 2003–2007 period. The environment, which had an extraordinary influence on the planning and implementation of the national statistics tasks, is at heart very dynamic, requiring a significant level of innovation and the capability of a quick response to change. An even greater challenge is balancing the demands of the users and the burdens imposed on statistical data providers, which are interdependent to some extent.

Our main principle in fulfilling the programme was the provision of high quality statistical support for policy development, focusing on organisational challenges and strengthening the system by preserving professional independence and credibility as well as openness to the environment, starting with the successful accession to the EU and integration into the European Statistical System. While the scope and requirement level of the tasks have constantly increased along with a decrease in funding and human resources, we, in accordance with the National Statistics Act, have focused on acquiring all statistically suitable data sources, including the placement of a stronger emphasis on sectoral statistics,2 in particular through the upgrading of certain records of interest for the purpose of official statistics. In this context, the awareness of data users regarding the promotion of statistics was of key importance, while establishing a high quality and effective website as a central communication channel was also very important.

In the preparation of contents for the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007,3 including strategic approaches, area of work and objectives, we followed the needs of national4 and international5 policies and activities, planned within the framework of statistical infrastructure development. Individual

1 The Interim Report on the Implementation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 is available at: http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_programi.asp [3 November 2008]. 2 SORS has also been systematically monitoring the activities of individual institutions in Slovenia, which are not authorised for producing national statistics but which, nevertheless, publish statistical data on their websites or in special printed editions, which are available to professionals and general public. Data resulting from the upgrading of records or registers on the basis of a law or official authorisation were initially not intended for statistical use, which means that they are not in compliance with the basic dimensions of statistical quality (i.e. adequacy, precision, timeliness and accuracy of publishing, comparability of statistical data, compliance of results as well as accessibility and transparency). SORS labels this type of material "sectoral statistics". 3 Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), No. 10/2003) available at: http://www.stat.si/doc/drzstat/SPSR2007‐2008_ang.pdf [3 November 2008]. 4 In general: The Strategy of Economic Development of Slovenia, National Development Programme 2001–2006 and the Position Paper of the Republic of Slovenia for the negotiations on the accession to the European Union [16]. 5 Community Statistical Programme 2003–2007, Commission of the European Communities, Brussels, 28. 11. 2001 COM(2001) 683 final [16].


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activities of the programme are presented in detail in the annual programmes of statistical surveys and reports, providing greater flexibility in keeping up‐to‐date with changes in the environment and new demand for statistical data and services.

In Part I of this report, consisting of three Chapters, the background of the national statistics operation is explained. In Chapter One, we have endeavoured to briefly explain factors that had a considerable impact on the implementation of the programme and the course of development of Slovenian national statistics. Chapter Two presents the role of authorised producers in the statistical system, drawing attention to their most important activities through which they significantly contributed to the development, diversity and rationalisation of statistical data collection. Chapter Three, covering conditions of national statistics operation, and in particular of SORS, is of key importance for understanding the achievements in national statistics of the last five years, especially regarding development of the statistical infrastructure.

Part II or Chapter Four presents the concrete achievements in national statistics in the 2003–2007 period, in individual statistical fields as well as in development of the statistical infrastructure. This report was prepared in compliance with the new structure, defined in the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2008–2012 (Uradni list RS No. 119/2007 (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), No. 119/2007). Thus, demographic and social statistics are followed by chapters on macroeconomic statistics, business statistics, agricultural statistics and multi‐domain statistics, where data on development of environmental statistics, regional statistics, intangible property, the information society and the like are included. Information on further development, in which we aim to present the dynamic development of national statistics through the continuous improvement of statistical data and services, was added to the report on achievements.

Prior to submitting this report to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, SORS discussed the Report at a special session of the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia at the end of November 2008.


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MISSION OF THE SLOVENIAN NATIONAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM

The mission of the Slovenian national statistical system is to provide the public administration bodies and organisations, as well as the economy and the general public, with quality, timely, temporally, spatially and internationally comparable data on the situation and trends in the economic, demographic, social, environmental and natural resources fields. The Slovenian national statistical system must fulfil these obligations under optimum costs, while complying with the principles of statistical confidentiality.

1. IMPACTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT on the contents and implementation of the medium‐term programme

Joining the EU, Slovenia decided for a common European future and the introduction of the euro. On 28 June 2004, Slovenia entered the exchange rate mechanism (ERM II) and in less than two years had complied with all the convergence criteria. Throughout the process, high‐quality and credible national statistics were a basic precondition for the EU accession negotiations. The national statistical system successfully provided the correct quality of internationally comparable data through effective introduction of international statistical standards in its internal operation processes; this could not be achieved without the exchange of good practices, knowledge and additional financial support from Eurostat, international organisations and co‐operation with the statistical offices of other countries. In a five‐year period, and despite, as a small EU Member State, little space for manoeuvre, Slovenia succeeded in fulfilling the obligations imposed (especially by European legislation), in adopting the euro, in holding the presidency of the EU Council, and not least in receiving an invitation to become a member of the OECD.6

With a sound legal basis, in particular with the National Statistics Act, flexible procedures of planning the annual statistical surveys, regular meetings of Statistical Advisory Committees and the Statistical Council and good inter‐institutional co‐operation, SORS managed to maintain balance in meeting the needs of the users at national and European levels. In this regard, consistent compliance with the principles and rules of statistical data protection and care for comprehensive quality management, as the basic preconditions for maintaining and strengthening the confidence of data providers and users, played a key role.

Main guidelines for provision of statistical data

Through development of procedures for improving the timeliness of data, the use of new data sources and statistical methods, as well as through the extension of the set of statistical data, national statistics in the 2003–2007 period significantly contributed to:

• measuring the efficiency of the state as regards the implementation of reform in accordance with Slovenia's development strategy, following primarily the renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and new jobs;7

• Slovenia's negotiations for implementation of regionalisation of Slovenia, at home and within the EU;

• fulfilment of requirements of the EMU Action Plan and preparation of the European economic indices of the macroeconomic statistics. The latter was strongly influenced by the agreement on co‐operation between the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Slovenia and SORS, signed in 2004 and renewed in 2007.8

6 Participation in the work of the OECD Statistics Council: In July 2006, Slovenia was granted observer status due to its active participation in various international institutions and certain joint projects of Eurostat and the OECD in the statistical area, and also due to its good compliance with international statistical standards with regard to methodology. 7 The Republic of Slovenia undertook to introduce the Lisbon Strategy into practice in detail, and at national level to monitor its impacts within the economic, social and environmental frameworks and within the policy of drafting better legislation, through which competitiveness may be enhanced and administrative burdens reduced, including monitoring of administrative costs; in so doing, it will also prepare the assessment of impacts of the new legislation on the citizens and the economy [8]. 8 See the COMMISSION COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND TO THE COUNCIL on the independence, integrity and accountability of the national and Community statistical authorities and of the European Statistical System at http://www.stat.si/doc/drzstat/kakovost/Code_of_Practice.pdf [3 November 2008].


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– Access of researchers to microdata

The increasing need for data used for designing and measuring the efficiency of various policies at national and local levels influenced the provision of accessibility to microdata for research purposes. At the end of 2003, SORS set up a transparent system of rules and procedures for taking decisions on an equal footing, in a comprehensive and transparent way, regarding the transmission of microdata to researchers, which was, in accordance with the European Statistics Code of Practice, in 2007 assessed as good practice in the European Statistical System. Moreover, SORS is an important link in setting international standards for the transmission of statistically protected microdata to researchers, since it participates in the project run by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE or ECE) and within the Conference of European Statisticians (CES).

Impacts of membership of the EU and EMU

In 2006, within its activities for improvement of the European Statistical System, SORS carried out a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) on Slovenia's EU membership [1]. From the assessment, one of the important strengths of membership was undoubtedly the possibility of a larger impact on development and operation of the European Statistical System; with regard to the quality of statistical data, membership had a positive impact on the timeliness of data provision, while Slovenia's international comparability and recognition increased due to harmonisation. With new opportunities in the field of dissemination, in transfer of knowledge and good practice, obtaining additional financial funds through co‐operation in EU projects and projects of technical and expert assistance to third countries, etc., expert challenges considerably increased over the last five years. On this basis, many development projects were realised, comparable to good practices in statistical offices in other countries.

Impact of web technology development and broadband connections on better access to official statistics

Through the development of the SORS website, and the development and application of modern information and communication technology, access to statistical data on the web became faster and simpler. A wider spectrum of users also makes for better recognisability of official statistics, resulting in increased interest among the general public in statistical data when taking personal or business decisions. To this end, SORS expanded its set of web services for different profiles of users and improved the quality of the accessible data. Further development of websites will be focused on improvement of visualisation, preparation of the necessary infrastructure for access to the E‐archives of statistical data, and improvement of services provided to the Government through provision of microdata for analysis and modelling.

Introduction of the European Statistics Code of Practice

– External evaluation of Slovenian national statistics

By introducing the European Statistics Code of Practice in national statistical systems, the statistical offices of the EU Member States, including Eurostat, undertook to conduct activities leading to high quality statistics. The Code of Practice is based on a common definition of quality, adopted within the framework of the European Statistical System, and deals with the institutional environment, statistical processes and statistical results. In its reply to the requirements set by the Code of Practice, in 2005 SORS prepared a Total Quality Management Strategy 2006–2008, and upgraded this in 2007; the strategy was also included in the 2008–2012 medium‐term period strategies. In 2007, SORS received an important recognition for four good practices on the basis of a successful external evaluation carried out by international experts of the introduction of principles of the Code of Practice in Slovenian national statistics: (i) the National Statistics Act, (ii) access to microdata for researchers, (iii) the error reporting method in publishing, and (iv) functioning of the statistical advisory committees system.

Preparation of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2008–2012

The knowledge and experience gained in the 2003–2007 period provided the basis for the preparation of objectives and activities for the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2008–2012. Tasks connecting the two medium‐term periods are the following: (i) running the Presidency of the EU Council Working Party on Statistics during the Slovenian EU Council Presidency; (ii) Slovenia's preparations for joining the OECD; (iii) preparations for the Census of Population and Housing, which will, for the


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first time, be carried out only on the basis of administrative sources; (iv) implementation of infrastructure development projects as a key for achieving innovative approaches in technical and methodological solutions; (v) participation in the further development of registers and records; (vi) care for maintaining the personal registration number system, consistent use of classification and statistical methodology; (vii) analysis of burdens regarding time and finance, on respondents and producers of national statistics, under way within the European Commission, which will contribute to a further reduction of burdens to respondents and reduction of costs while achieving equal or higher quality of statistical data and services; (viii) comprehensive quality management of consumer‐oriented national statistics.

2. AUTHORISED PRODUCERS of National Statistics in the Medium‐term Period The Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007, in accordance with Article 3 of the National Statistics Act (ZDSta), appointed the following authorised producers of national statistics: the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services, the Bank of Slovenia, the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Finance, the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia and the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia.

The co‐operation of SORS with the authorised producers is laid down in accordance with the National Statistics Act (ZDSta), which stipulates the type of organisation, preparation, implementation and reporting on activities under the programmes of statistical surveys, following the basic principles of official statistics, data dissemination and international co‐operation.

In the medium‐term period, the authorised producers of national statistics were, in accordance with annual programmes of statistical surveys, responsible for implementation of approximately one sixth of all the tasks (others were in the domain of SORS).

As to the contents, the Bank of Slovenia (BS) was responsible for statistics on the balance of payments and financial and monetary statistics, while the Ministry of Finance (MF) was responsible for the statistics on the government deficit, debt and public finances. In 2004, SORS also signed a special agreement with both institutions on co‐operation in macroeconomic and financial statistics; this agreement, due to transparently defined responsibilities, significantly contributed to successful development in this field. The agreement was renewed for the first time on 1 April 2007, and for 2009 it is planned to supplement the agreement with numerous new areas of co‐operation and common development, and also to meet the requirements for national statistics of the OECD.

Co‐operation of SORS with the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services (AJPES) was of utmost importance for development of the national statistics, in particular the rationalisation of statistical data collection from businesses, which represents an important strategic orientation. In 2005, AJPES assumed responsibility for monthly electronic collection of data on paid wages, while SORS assumed the methodological responsibility for statistical data dissemination and quality. In 2006, SORS signed an agreement with AJPES on co‐operation in carrying out the Structure of Earnings Survey 2006. Co‐operation was strong in the provision and use of business statistics contained in the Business Register of Slovenia. SORS needs this data for development and maintenance of statistical business registers.

The Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia (IVZ), responsible for producing statistics on health, contributed to the development of national statistics in the medium‐term period by carrying out the sample survey on health and health care in 2007, and by regulating the area of monitoring occupational diseases and accidents at work. In the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death database, IVZ collects and keeps data on the deceased, and in the Perinatal Information System database IVZ collects and keeps data on births. IVZ, in co‐operation with the Ministry of the Interior (MNZ), rationalised the collecting and maintaining of data in these databases. IVZ takes some data necessary to maintain the mentioned records directly from MNZ records. IVZ also took part in the project defining personal registration numbers in maternity hospitals. Since 2001, IVZ has been transferring data on deaths to SORS, and, since 2007, also data on births. For this reason, SORS has stopped collecting data on deaths and births from the demographic questionnaires.

The Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ), which is, in addition to SORS, responsible for statistics on


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employment and unemployment, the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (ZPIZ), responsible for statistics on pensions, and the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS9), which is, along with SORS, responsible for statistics on social security, focused on development and maintenance of their administrative records and registers in the medium‐term period. See Appendix D – List of the authorised producers of national statistics in the 2003–2007 period (with links to the websites).

Implementation of the European Statistics Code of Practice in the national statistical system

In the beginning of 2008, in accordance with instructions from Eurostat, SORS verified compliance of the Slovenian statistical system with the European Statistics Code of Practice by organising bilateral meetings with every authorised producer. Pursuant to the instructions from Eurostat, the verification covered the institutions appointed by the Medium‐Term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2008–2012 (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), No. 119/2007), and therefore without the participation of the ZZZS. The Bank of Slovenia was exempt from the verification since, in its operation, it is not liable to follow the European Statistics Code of Practice but to follow the principles of statistical function of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), which are basically harmonised within the European Statistical System. In addition to this, the independence of the central bank itself does not allow intervention of any government institution into its operation. Data on the ZPIZ, which also holds the status of an authorised producer in the programme of statistical surveys, was taken from the self‐assessment questionnaire on compliance with the Code, completed by the ZPIZ in 2006.

Verification of individual institutions regarding the principles of the Code was carried out only within the activities on official statistics carried out by the individual institution. On the basis of the findings, SORS prepared for Eurostat a special report, which was also discussed by the Statistical Council10 at its 26th session in April 2008. Since the report represents an important review of the situation with the authorised producers of the national statistics (i.e. excluding the Bank of Slovenia and the ZZZS), we present it briefly below, by the respective Code principles11.

– Report on Compliance of the National Statistical System with the European Statistics Code of Practice –

by principles of the Code

PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENCE – In fulfilling tasks under the programmes of statistical surveys, all the relevant authorised producers follow the National Statistics Act, which clearly defines their role in those programmes. The relevant producers are included in the preparation of annual and medium‐term programmes of statistical surveys, presenting the activities of a complete system of national statistics. In accordance with the National Statistics Act, SORS plays the role of co‐ordinator within the system.

Article 2 of the National Statistics Act stipulates that the authorised producers must provide separate national statistics. Even though the majority have managed to organise special internal units responsible for implementation of official statistics tasks, the problem of lack of human resources remains unsolved. The work performed by the institutions of the authorised producers is not primarily statistical work, which means that for the statistical unit employees, the statistical function is just one of their tasks. The authorised producers believe that this considerably hinders co‐operation in the exchange of common methodological approaches in the statistical system and with SORS. Publications on the websites of the authorised producers are mainly clearly separated from other contents; usually, a special part of a website gives information on the official statistics.

9 On the basis of the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys 2003–2007 (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), No.119/2007), ZZZS has not been the authorised producer since 2008. 10 In connection with the Report, the Statistical Council adopted the following Decision No.4: "At its 26th meeting on 24 April 2008, the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia took note of the Report on Compliance of the National Statistics System with the Code of Conduct of the European Statistics. The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia supports the proposal of SORS that on the basis of the document, the Director‐General, Irena Križman, MSc, should meet the directors of institutions of the authorised producers to jointly prepare a plan for solving the personnel and finance issues as well as a plan for a more intensive transfer of the expert knowledge within the Slovenian statistical system."[15]. 11 Information on the principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice, see http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_kakovost_kodeks.asp [3 November 2008].


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MANDATE FOR DATA COLLECTION – To implement the official statistics tasks, the relevant authorised producers usually use their own sources. In accordance with Article 32 of the National Statistics Act, the relevant authorised producers, as well as SORS, have the right to collect data from various official and other databases of the public and administrative sectors.

ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES – The relevant authorised producers12 form a part of a public sector and they are, in total or in part, financed from the national budget. In the institutions where tasks of official statistics represent a significant share of tasks, there are difficulties regarding human resources responsible for official statistics.

QUALITY COMMITMENT – In their work on the statistics, the authorised producers must follow the rules of official statistics, stipulated in the National Statistics Act; they are similar to the quality standards of the European Statistical System. Despite the fact that, within the institutions, the relevant authorised producers are liable to follow quality requirements (two institutions meet the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Standard requirements, while one is in the final phase of preparations for achieving the standard), there is still much work needed regarding the introduction of quality official statistics implementation. The majority do not publish quality indicators (they are published in the standard reports on quality). External evaluations of statistical surveys are rare.

AJPES is the only authorised institution, which, in co‐operation with SORS, in the 2003–2007 period prepared a Standard Quality Report,13 while IVZ has been carrying out intensive preparations for a report. IVZ also participated in international Statistical Days in 2006 and 2007.

Within the framework of co‐operation with the authorised producers, SORS has been planning further promotion of the Code of Practice and carrying out special training in connection with this topic in future years.

STATISTICAL CONFIDENTIALITY14 – The relevant authorised producers are aware how important the statistical confidentiality principle is, and in their work have been striving to take it into account as much as possible. To that end, all employees operating with official statistical data must sign a special statement on data protection and follow the general rules on personal data protection. Data exchange within the statistical system is carried out in accordance with individual co‐operation agreements, harmonised with legal bases and special organisational requirements of individual institutions.

IMPARTIALITY and OBJECTIVITY – The relevant authorised producers obtain the majority of official statistics for which they are responsible on the basis of administrative registers, which were initially not established for statistical purposes. No institution has it own time schedule for publication; however, all the institutions observe informal rules on when the data may be published, which is familiar to regular users. Metadata on statistical surveys are published; however, they are not usually produced in a user‐friendly format. Access to statistical data is provided to all users simultaneously (on the same day, at the same time) on the same conditions and in the same manner. The relevant authorised producers do not provide advance access to data to the interested public. The authorised producers also do not have rules on the mode of publishing corrections of possible errors in publications.

In future years, SORS is planning to provide support and promotion regarding the use of good practice in preparation of time schedules of publications, rules on correction of

12 Other authorised producers can be divided into two groups: (i) institutions in which tasks of official statistics are only a minor part of duties when compared to their total tasks; (ii) institutions in which tasks of official statistics form a significant part of their tasks. In the second group, difficulties appear in connection with the lack of staff responsible for official statistics. 13 See the STANDARD QUALITY REPORT ON SURVEYS Monthly report on the wages paid with legal entities for 2005 at http://www.stat.si/doc/metodologija/kakovost/02_LPK_ZAPM_2005_En.pdf [3 November 2008]. 14 Statistical Confidentiality means the use of data for statistical or analytical purposes only [11].


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errors in already‐published publications and rules on publishing these publications.

SOUND METHODOLOGY – The relevant authorised producers, in co‐operation with SORS, keep up‐to‐date with official statistics methodology development. Standard classifications and nomenclatures are widely used in all statistical surveys, Revisions and preparations of a new methodology are made in co‐operation with SORS and adequately presented to the interested public. Employees of statistical units of the authorised producers have the required knowledge of statistical methods and are given the opportunity to attend adequate additional training and/or international conferences. The relevant authorised producers lack a systematic knowledge of the European Statistical System quality standards. The problem lies in the lack of personnel to spread this knowledge among the employees dealing with statistics.

SORS, playing the role of the organiser and provider of training within the national statistical system, has been planning to carry out more training in statistical methodology quality.

APPROPRIATE STATISTICAL PROCEDURES – To process administrative data, the authorised producers use tried and tested statistical procedures. Due to different definitions of administratively obtained data and statistical definitions of data, difficulties arise in certain surveys; in these cases, they endeavour to unify them. In the event of survey that is carried out by IVZ through medical surveys, the questionnaires are tested prior to the start of data collection and revised afterwards. Instructions for the fieldwork are prepared in co‐operation with SORS, while also observing the latest statistical standards.

NON‐EXCESSIVE BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS – Due to wide use of administrative sources, the majority of the authorised producers of national statistics do not burden respondents with data reporting. Before taking the decision that data shall be collected through a survey questionnaire, the authorised producers closely examine available administrative sources and complete the questionnaires in advance with data available from administrative registers and records.

COST EFFECTIVENESS – Standard procedures for measuring the cost‐effectiveness in the Slovenian public sector monitor the cost‐effectiveness of individual institutions. The majority of the routine procedures have been automated; in addition to this, the possibility of further use of administrative sources instead of direct data collection has been considered.

RELEVANCE – A system for monitoring user satisfaction and keeping up with their needs, carried out by SORS, also includes the authorised producers. One of the main tools are Statistical Advisory Committees, in which members of the authorised producers co‐operate with regard to the statistics they are responsible for.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY – The relevant authorised producers mostly obtain data on the basis of administrative sources; therefore, data on sample errors in data publishing is not relevant. In sample surveys, SORS provides support in assessment of data accuracy. Within the medium–term period considered, only the IVZ carried out such a survey.

TIMELINESS AND PUNCTUALITY – For official statistics, the deadline of the first publication of data shall be set by the annual programme of statistical surveys. The relevant authorised producers do not publish their time schedules on websites and do not set an exact time of the first publication of data. The relevant authorised producers only informally observe rules on when data shall be published; however, these rules are not available to the general public.

The only exception among the authorised producers is the Bank of Slovenia, which successfully meets a Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS), set by the International Monetary Fund. The Bank of Slovenia is responsible for co‐ordination of the published data, in compliance with the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS)


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in Slovenia.

In the future, SORS is planning to prepare guidelines, and technical and expert aid, in the preparation of a time schedule of publication for the authorised producers.

COHERENCE AND COMPARABILITY – The authorised producers regularly keep up‐to‐date with revisions in the standard classifications and nomenclatures which they use, and simultaneously introduce ongoing modifications in their registers or other databases. In most cases, they report that breaks in time series data result from methodology/classification changes [2].

ACCESSIBILITY AND CLARITY – The authorised producers use modern methods of statistical data dissemination – publications of data are mainly available to the general public on websites, while the use of printed publications is decreasing. Some authorised producers dedicate a special part of a website to the presentation of the work of the statistical unit, together with publication of other data, while other authorised producers publish the data within the framework of the institutions as a whole. The majority of the authorised producers do not present the applied methodology systematically in one place. Access to microdata and special analyses is possible only upon special request, which is not particularly stressed on the published websites. Further development in the authorised producers will be oriented towards publication of methodological explanations and improvements of websites to make the data more user‐friendly.

International co‐operation of authorised producers

– Bank of Slovenia

International co‐operation in the field of statistics marked the work and development of the Bank of Slovenia and IVZ.

Representatives of the Bank of Slovenia have been participating at plenary sessions of the Statistical Committee and the regular European System of Central Banks (ESCB) working parties on balance of payments and external reserves statistics, general economic statistics, government finance statistics, monetary and financial institution and market statistics, Monetary Union financial accounts, and statistical information systems. In addition to these, in 2007 they participated at sessions of these working parties within the euro area central banks. With the changeover to the euro, the Bank of Slovenia was included smoothly in carrying out the normal statistical tasks of the euro area Member States and, within Eurostat, has been participating in the work of the working party for financial accounts, the Committee on Balance of Payments and the working party for quarterly sectoral accounts (chaired by the European Central Bank (ECB) and Eurostat). The Bank of Slovenia representatives also attend regular plenary sessions of the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payment Statistics, which is the main body for harmonisation of strategic issues regarding European financial statistics.

– Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia (IVZ) and other authorised producers

The Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia participated in various expert groups and work parties within Eurostat and other international organisations in this field. IVZ has been awarded a contract for implementation of several projects under international tenders, through which its key role in the field of health statistics in Slovenia has been confirmed and new development opportunities offered.

The Employment Service of Slovenia, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia and the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia are the institutions that are explicitly focused on the domestic environment in the implementation of official statistics. The exception is the Ministry of Finance, which, together with SORS and the Bank of Slovenia, participates internationally in provision of macroeconomic and financial statistics.

3. OPERATING CONDITIONS Providing Long‐term Success of National Statistics

3.1 A Sound LEGAL basis for producing national statistics

According to the European Statistics Code of Practice, the legal basis of the national statistical system


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of operation15 was assessed as good practice in the European Statistical System. The National Statistics Act16 provides wide opportunities for further development of register‐oriented national statistics and a clear authorisation for data collecting, and also supports institutional and professional independence and user‐friendly access to statistical data [4].

Statistical legislation and good practice in other countries have been continuously emphasising the importance of the institutional and professional independence of national statistics providers. SORS in its role of the main institution responsible for national statistics and co‐ordinator of tasks in this area, through drafting and adoption of legislation, as well as through its practical work, has successfully realised good practice in this area. Already by 2004, in response to the "Greek case", the EU Council had underlined the importance of independence of statistics and required that the finance ministers of the EU Member States ensure adequate and stable conditions for independent production of national statistics. Thus the European Commission/Eurostat adopted the European Statistics Code of Practice in 2005. In May 2007, in accordance with the European Statistics Code of Practice, an external expert review of SORS established that SORS fully complies with the principle of professional independence [4].

Drafting the legal regulations in the 2003–2007 period

– Harmonisation of national classifications with internationally adopted modifications

In the past period of implementation of the medium‐term programme, SORS participated in drafting and adoption of many government decrees, in particular because of renewal or enforcement of standard classifications in administrative databases. The classifications, which are used as national standards, are regulated by the Government. See Appendix A – List of adopted legal regulations in the 2003–2007 period.

The use of standard classifications in administrative databases is obligatory and has an impact on the quality and consistency of data in administrative records. Data organised in such a way are also a valuable source for national statistics and for international comparability. More on classifications in Chapter 4.2.5.

– Preparation of expert instructions

In addition to the above‐mentioned, SORS, pursuant to the legislation and in the implementation of every annual programme of statistical surveys, also issued the so‐called expert instructions, published in the Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), stipulating the manner of conduct for carrying out the stipulated obligations of respondents. See Appendix A – List of adopted legal regulations in the 2003–2007 period.

– Adoption of European legislation

In the medium‐term period, European statistical legislation, including regulations and directives, was adopted at an accelerated pace. In addition to participation in the preparation and adoption of regulations directly applicable in the EU Member States, Slovenia had to transpose the contents of directives adopted at the EU level into its national legislation through national regulations. Thus, the Director‐General of SORS issued expert instructions, which at Slovenia's level define in detail the respondents' obligations, defined indicatively in directives. See Appendix A – List of adopted legal regulations in the 2003–2007 period and participation in legislative procedures referred to in Chapter 3.3.

Elimination of administrative obstacles in preparation of regulations

During this period, within the preparation of legislation great emphasis was placed on elimination of administrative burdens imposed on the respondents. In this context, an important element was inclusion of the interested public in preparation of draft regulations, and inter‐sectoral co‐ordination between ministries and government offices. In January 2007, the European Commission adopted the Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in the European Union (hereinafter: Action

15 SORS, in co‐operation with the authorised producers of the national statistics, carries out its activity on the basis of the National Statistics Act (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), Nos. 45/1995 and 9/2001), the Medium‐term Programme of Statistical Surveys for the current medium‐term period and the Annual Programme of Statistical Surveys for the current year. Pursuant to the National Statistics Act, SORS prepares an annual Report on the Implementation of the Annual Programme of Statistical Surveys, discussed by the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia. Programme and reports are available at http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_programi.asp [3 November 2008]. 16 National Statistics Act (Uradni list RS (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia), Nos. 45/95 and 9/01).


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– Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in the European Union

Programme), the general objective of which was to reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012. According to the European Commission, this objective could be achieved only through shared responsibility and the joint efforts of all EU Member States and EU institutions. Within this framework, special attention was paid to the preparation of statistical legislation at the European and international levels [5].

– Programme of Measures for Reduction of Administrative Burdens in 2007

In 2006, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in 2007, which included a measure (No. 28/07) for reducing obligations of companies to collect statistical data, the carrying out of which was in the responsibility of the Ministry of the Economy. For co‐operation in implementation of the referred to measure, an inter‐sectoral working group, which also included SORS representatives, was established in 2007. More on activities for reduction in the reporting burden in Chapter 3.4.

Agreements on inter‐institutional co‐operation – for reducing burdens imposed on reporting units and use of administrative sources

One of the bases for the smooth operation of SORS is formally regulated inter‐institutional co‐operation. Agreements are important, in particular in the light of efforts for reduction of burdens imposed on respondents, and the increased use of administrative sources in the official statistics. The agreements signed provide for protection of statistical data and its quality, and in particular, ensure continuous provision of the data and the continuity of time series.

Agreements cover statistical use and protection of administrative data available at the institution, statistical data exchange, an advisory service and support regarding methodology, and IT systems alignment [4].

An important part of this is agreements concluded with other bodies, for example, with the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services, the Tax Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (within the Ministry of Finance), the Customs Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (within the Ministry of Finance), the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, and the Bank of Slovenia. See Appendix B – List of adopted inter‐institutional agreements on co‐operation in the 2003–2007 period (by institutions).

3.2 Successful co‐operation with USERS of statistical data and services

In the medium‐term period, SORS successfully communicated with users of statistical data and services, in particular within the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia17 as the highest representative of users and the expert public, and 25 Statistical Advisory Committees.18 The latter, in particular due to their variety – they are composed of more than 500 national experts, working in different fields of public administration, in scientific research institutes, universities and companies – provided a sound basis for recording and identification of the needs of statistical data users in the annual programmes of statistical surveys. In accordance with the European Statistics Code of Practice, the system of Statistical Advisory Committees was recognised as good practice within the European Statistical System [4].

In order to increase the use and quality of administrative records for official and sectoral statistics, SORS, through its participation in the Committee on the Economy and other government working bodies, followed

17 The Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia, functioning pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, is a professional and consulting body regarding methodology, intended for solving strategic and development issues in the national statistics system (Chapter 3 of the National Statistics Act). It consists of 14 members: three representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, one representative of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, two representatives of the Government, one representative of the Bank of Slovenia, one representative of employers and one of employees, one representative of the judiciary, two representatives of statisticians and two representatives of SORS. More information on the Council at http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_svet.asp [3 November 2008]. 18 Advisory Committees function pursuant to the Rules of Procedure; SORS usually organises meetings of individual Advisory Committees or working groups once a year. Annual programmes of statistical surveys are, in addition to methodological novelties, one of the regularly discussed topics within individual statistical areas. More information on Advisory Committees at http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_sosveti.asp [3 November 2008].


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the strategic orientation of Slovenia's development and was thus actively involved in preparation of legislation. In this context, it endeavoured to establish uniform methodological grounds, which would enable simpler mutual linking and time comparison of data in registers and records; in this way, the costs of data collection can be considerably decreased and data applicability increased.19

In following the demands of domestic users, inter‐institutional co‐operation was established, in particular via workshops or small working groups, where, in the medium‐term period, SORS presented new innovative ways of reducing administrative burdens, argued for the need to collect important statistical data for domestic and foreign users, and thus implemented the use of statistical data for measuring the effects of individual policies. Enhancing the role of Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia and Statistical Advisory Committees – The main topics addressed under the Statistical Council in the medium‐term period

–The role of Statistical Advisory Committees

In the medium‐term period, the Statistical Council of the Republic of Slovenia discussed the starting points of and guidelines for medium‐term and annual statistical programmes and reports, addressed important regulations in the area of national statistics, proposed a methodological basis for statistical surveys, rationalisation and modernisation of national statistics, gave various incentives and proposals for international statistical co‐operation and proposed classifications for use as national standards. The most important topics addressed were the following: rationalisation of statistical data collection, protection of statistical data, statistical monitoring of real estate, regionalisation of Slovenia, user satisfaction, introduction of the European Statistics Code of Practice, implementation of SKD2008, appointing the producers of national statistics for the next medium‐term period (2008–2012), etc.

The role of Statistical Advisory Committees was, in addition to giving professional explanations on solving methodology issues, also important in promoting inter‐institutional information exchange, good practice and national statistics production, planned in detail. The number of members (more than 500) provided an abundant source of information on users' needs for statistical data and information. In 2004, a Real Estate Statistical Advisory Committee and a Health Advisory Committee were established. See also Appendix E – List of Statistical Advisory Committees.

– Further development In the future, the role of the Statistical Council as an external statistical methodology advisory body will be enhanced, since it is one of the essential parts needed for the provision of professional independence and supporting the importance of the national statistical system. The SORS plans are focused on strengthening the Statistical Advisory Committees as sources of information on the needs of users and data sources at a national level in planning the annual statistical programmes.

As a supplement to formal procedures of co‐operation with users in the medium‐term period, SORS also developed and used other mechanisms for monitoring the needs and satisfaction of users with statistical data and information. Within the Information Centre, analysis of written and telephone requests for statistical data, and analysis of website visits, were conducted regularly, and surveys on user satisfaction, presented in detail in the text below, were conducted periodically.

Monitoring the satisfaction of users and the perception of SORS by the general public

One of the key components in providing quality statistical data and services is monitoring the satisfaction of the users. With surveys on this issue, SORS follows the principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice, which is, under Eurostat, implemented in all countries included in the European Statistical System.

To monitor user satisfaction,20 new survey methodologies are being continuously developed as statistical data dissemination changes. In the relevant medium‐term period, SORS carried out some ad hoc surveys on specific issues (applicability and quality of websites, quality of statistical data and services) and two regular surveys on user satisfaction with SORS products and service quality, published at the end of the medium‐term period (in 2004 and 2007), which clearly reflect the progress of SORS in satisfying users' needs for statistical data and services; in this respect, easier access to

19 For example: the establishment of the Register of Real Estate, the administrator of which is the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia, has, in addition to the use of information from other registers, in 2011 allowed a register census of population to be planned, considerably reducing the costs of its carrying out. 20 More information on monitoring user satisfaction at: http://www.stat.si/eng/drz_stat_zadovoljstvo.asp [3 November 2008].


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data on the websites, continuously attracting new user groups, is noticeable.

To statistical offices, measuring the recognisability of the organisation and the general public's trust in statistical data are also important aspects. In 2006 and 2007, two surveys were carried out, which showed the high level of recognition and trust the general public has in SORS.21

Media relations On a monthly basis, SORS organised press conferences at which, in addition to comments on current statistical data, it presented analyses of data from different statistical areas, mostly on national accounts and the consumer price index. In accordance with the European Statistics Code of Practice, external expert review in 2007 estimated that SORS completely fulfils the criterion on impartiality and objectivity of statistical publications and statements given at press conferences.

The Strategic Council of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Reform Committee

In July 2005, the Government appointed a working group named the Reform Committee, which was tasked to prepare proposals for structural reforms or system modifications, through which the Government would achieve objectives and follow the guidelines of Slovenia’s Development Strategy in the key areas. SORS helped the Committee in preparing the necessary data. In this context, SORS in co‐operation with the authorised producers and those responsible for public records, prepared microdata for analytical and research purposes and, in accordance with the legislation regulating statistical confidentiality, submitted them to the research organisation, which the head of the Reform Committee will authorise to prepare analyses and simulations. SORS will endeavour to provide further microdata for analysis and modelling, required, in particular, by the Institute for Economic Research, which analyses the effects of implementation of individual national policies.

Microdata for research purposes

– Setting the criteria for equitable, comprehensive and transparent decision‐making on the provision of microdata

Government's increasing need for the data required to prepare and evaluate various policies at national and local levels has encouraged statistical offices to consider the possibility of transmitting microdata for research purposes. Microdata are not a standard dissemination product of statistical offices, since they require careful and balanced consideration of statistical confidentiality, which is one of the elements of the national statistical system and is significant in maintaining the confidentiality of respondents, and through this also the quality of the data provided.

SORS faced the challenge and began to address the issue in a planned manner after the 2002 Census. Setting criteria at the end of 2003 provided for equitable, comprehensive and transparent decision‐making on the transmission of SORS microdata. After it had been requested to prepare a report on the topic, SORS was awarded an international award for good practice in the transmission of microdata. Since 2005, the SORS recommendation has bee

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