Abstract

The principle of Professional Independence (PI) is the first principle of the European
Statistics Code of Practice (ESCoP) and is of fundamental importance in ensuring both the
high quality of the statistics and the trust of users. The core objective of the PI principle is to
ensure that statistics are developed, produced, and disseminated in a manner that is free from
political and other external interference.
This paper traces the development and articulation of the principle over the past thirty years
in the context of the wider formulation and adoption of EU framework legislation for
statistics and the complementary ESCOP. It is argued that the principle is of key importance
in establishing an institutional environment for official statistics that meets the needs of a
more integrated European Union, while also being consistent with the EU’s espousal of
liberal democratic values. The ESCoP has also been largely adopted by an increasing number
of other European and Mediterranean countries and hence the PI principle is well established
and accepted beyond the EU by countries with varying political and cultural backgrounds.
The ESCoP sets down eight indicators for achieving compliance with the PI principle and
some of these have been progressively incorporated into the EU framework legislation for
statistics. Peer Reviews of National Statistical Systems and other sources are examined to
identify issues with achieving full compliance with these indicators. The longstanding court
proceedings against the former President of ELSTAT, the Greek national statistical authority,
are also reviewed in order to identify areas where the current approach may be deficient in
withstanding concerted political and other opposition to the principle.
Finally, some proposals are put forward to further strengthen compliance with the PI
principle.