EUROSTAT
Directorate E: Sectoral and regional statistics
Doc. DIMESA 2015/Draft minutes
Draft minutes of DIMESA 2015
(version of 1 July 2015)
Deadline for comments: 21 August 2015
DIMESA meeting
Directors of sectoral and environmental statistics and accounts
10-11 June 2015
Eurostat, Luxembourg – Room Ampère
Draft minutes of DIMESA 2015
10-11 June 2015
1. Opening and introduction
The meeting was opened by Mr Marcel Jortay, Director of Directorate E in Eurostat, who welcomed the participants and gave a short overview of the main groups of agenda items: cross-cutting issues, legislative proposals and issues of strategy.
Annex I of this document provides the list of DIMESA 2015 participants.
2. Adoption of the agenda
The proposed agenda was adopted.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of DIMESA 2014 were approved.
4. Follow-up to the joint EEA MB – DIMESA workshop in June 2014
Introduction
The joint workshop in June 2014 requested for: i) longer-term planning and deeper cooperation between institutions at EU and national level; ii) better use of existing data and streamlining of data collections; iii) clear and comparable headline indicators; iv) more analysis with the existing data – not only publish them but present them in an understandable format. Circular economy and ecosystem monetary capital accounting were identified as umbrella concepts that interlink several actions.
DG Environment (DG ENV) emphasised that sound environmental knowledge is required for the implementation of the 7th environment action programme (7th EAP). An environmental knowledge community has been set up by DG ENV, DG Climate action (DG CLIMA), DG Research and innovation (DG RTD), the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), Eurostat and the European Environment Agency (EEA). Its goal is to find a structured, strategic and collaborative way for developing the necessary knowledge without increasing the administrative burden of the countries. This can be achieved by making better use of existing data, having access to administrative data and sharing information. In the transitional phase, the Commission has set up four 'Knowledge innovation projects' (KIPs): 'Accounting for natural capital and ecosystem services' (leader: Eurostat), 'Climate adaptation' (leader: DG CLIMA), 'Living well, within the limits of the planet' (leader: EEA) and 'Foresight citizen science (leader: JRC). 'Better regulation' is another initiative for streamlining the reporting requirements to the EU countries so that their administrative burden is reduced.
The EEA highlighted that the 7th EAP provides a knowledge perspective we didn't have before. The joint workshop was important because of its follow-up that gave birth to the environmental knowledge community. Next steps should look ahead to 2050 and focus on the use of existing data for more purposes and how environment, social and economy indicators can be blended together to support the monitoring of sustainable development in Europe.
Discussion
Delegates were interested in the set-up of the KIP projects and whether countries will get involved in the environmental knowledge community. Countries would like to receive more feedback on how and which data are useful for policy purposes and where gaps exist in order to reinforce that amongst their communities.
The Commission remarked that no involvement of countries in the environmental knowledge community is foreseen in this phase. The community will first analyse the knowledge needs and how each member can contribute, and once there is a clear picture they will report to DIMESA.
With regard to the KIP 'Living well, within the limits of the planet' the EEA mentioned that its life span will be up to 2020. It is not yet clear whether the KIP will deal with biophysical limits of the planet or our well-being within the limits of the planet. The project is not as advanced as the one on natural capital and the coordinators need some time to reflect the way forward. National networks may be contacted later in time.
Concerning the KIP 'Climate adaptation', DG CLIMA highlighted that the long-term targets on climate change and adaptation drive their needs for data, indicators and information. With this in mind, they plan to invest in the environmental knowledge community for a solid framework to support their data needs. In this sense, country involvement will come later.
The JRC highlighted that their role on all joint platforms is more and more focused on effective support to policy making rather than policy implementation. Knowledge management is also in their portfolio as well as the link of environmental aspects to the digital agenda for Europe.
One delegate remarked that countries - as producers - should get involved as soon as possible in the environmental knowledge community in order to liaise with the policy makers (e.g. through task forces). KIP projects should report to DIMESA annually.
Eurostat commended that, at EU level, producers and users meet often via different platforms. What could be done is a better link of the work of these platforms. The next workshop, to take place in 2016, could focus on the first outcomes of the KIP projects.
Conclusions
DIMESA took note of the work of the environmental knowledge community. DIMESA will be informed about the progress of the KIP projects.
5. Mandates of DIMESA and working groups that report to DIMESA
5.1 DIMESA mandate
5.2 Mandates of working groups that report to DIMESA
Introduction
The DIMESA mandate was endorsed by the ESSC in November 2014. This revision paved the way to the update of the mandates of the working groups (WGs) that report to DIMESA. Certain revised mandates were sent to DIMESA via the exchange of views (EoV) survey. The majority of countries approved them. The comments made were discussed at DIMESA.
Discussion
Delegates remarked that the names of WGs in their mandates should be the same as those in the DIMESA mandate. The overlaps between WGs should be clarified, for example, between the WGs on water and on forest statistics and accounts and the WG on environmental accounts. A better distinction of the tasks of these WGs could be considered.
A few mandates mentioned that the WGs advise DIMESA in addition to the Commission. Eurostat proposed - and DIMESA agreed - to make clear in all the WG mandates that they advise the Commission whereas DIMESA is their reporting authority.
A clarification is needed regarding the reporting authority of the WG 'SDI and Europe 2020'. Eurostat suggested - and DIMESA agreed - to modify the section 'Reporting authority' to read: 'DIMESA (in cooperation with other Director Groups in their area of competence), ESSC'.
The WG 'SDI and Europe 2020' could also advise on the use of a common internationally agreed conceptual framework based on CES (Conference of European Statisticians) recommendations. Eurostat remarked - and DIMESA agreed - that this specific comment is covered sufficiently in the current mandate.
Conclusions
The names of WGs will be the ones mentioned currently in the DIMESA mandate. The overlaps between WGs will be clarified in a future DIMESA meeting.
DIMESA approved the mandates of the WGs that have been presented, subject to the changes agreed in the meeting. DIMESA will re-discuss the mandates of the WGs once all of them are availableand decide on their names and tasks.If needed, arevised DIMESA mandate will be submitted to the ESSC.
6. Vision 2020
Introduction
On 15 May 2014, the ESSC agreed on the ESS Vision 2020 as the guiding frame for the development of the European statistics up to 2020. Its strategic aims and objectives touch upon five priority areas, namely users, quality, new data sources, production process and dissemination. The ESS Vision 2020 is being implemented through projects, programmes and other actions and is supported by financial mechanisms and a legal framework. Eurostat presented the next steps and challenges in terms of projects, processes and communication.
Discussion
One delegate remarked that some countries have already the expertise of using big data for environment and this goes in parallel with theirclassical statistical work. He believed that it is too early for the technological move that Vision 2020 proposes, which may take more that 20 years. Other delegates asked about the set-up of the Vision projects and the involvement of individual countries and of DIMESA.
Eurostat remarked that Vision 2020 is an initiative of the ESS which decided to set up this major modernisation programme for the European statistical system. To counterbalance the lack of capacity and resources, the Vision will build up on collaboration with advanced partners even outside the ESS. This initiative calls for an innovative methodology in statistical production by integrating new data sources into a multi-mode approach. The selection of projects was made by the ESSC based on the criteria of feasibility, affordability and attractiveness and some of the projects were proposed by the countries themselves. Vision 2020 is coordinated by Eurostat and implemented by the countries and Eurostat in collaboration with data users and policy makers.
Conclusions
Vision 2020 is aiming at the modernisation of European statistics. Although it seems a challenging initiative for the capacity and resources in European countries, it has been endorsed by the ESS and its implementation is ongoing.
7. Revised Regulation EC No 223/2009
Introduction
Eurostat presented the main elements of the revised statistical law, Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, with focus on professional independence, coordination within the national statistical systems, commitment on public confidence in statistics and access to administrative records.
Discussion
A rich exchange followed the presentation. Most questions related to administrative records, for instance the balance between statistical interests and other public interests (protection of sensitive data), the scope of coordination of administrative records by statistical authorities, as well as potential access to private data sources. Eurostat elaborated on the notion of "public administrative system", on the character of the relevant provision in the Regulation as enabler, on the need to find a balance between Regulation 223/2009 and other basic legal acts in other domains, and on importance of setting up cooperation mechanisms at national level. Other items of discussion concerned confidentiality issues, practical measures to improve coordination and the symmetry between national and Union levels in terms of the professional independence. Eurostat referred to the existing Commission Decision on Eurostat, which constitutes the Commission's commitment on confidence in statistics, as well as to the annual statistical dialogue foreseen between the Director-General of Eurostat and the relevant committee of the Parliament, as illustrations of measures going beyond what most Member States have in place. Finally, Eurostat referred to the continuous communication efforts that were agreed at the latest ESS Committee meeting, taking the form, notably, of a task force on the implementation of Regulation 223/2009 and of a CROS portal to be set up.
Conclusions
DIMESA participants were encouraged to follow and contribute to the above-mentioned communication efforts, considering the interest shown in the revised Regulation 223/2009, and the expectations on the benefits thereof.
8. Statistical work programme 2016
Introduction
DIMESA received for information the draft Annual Work Programme 2016 as well as a detailed list of the activities and outputs which fall under its responsibility. The draft Annual Work Programme 2016 was presented at the meeting of the ESSC in May 2014. Member States had until 5 June 2015 to send comments in writing. Comments received on the parts that are under the responsibility of DIMESA were generally positive.
Eurostat also presented the steps towards extending the current European Statistical Programme 2013-2017 to cover the years 2018-2020. Next steps include a public consultation and targeted consultations (e.g. of the European Central Bank and the European Parliament) as well as a written consultation of all director groups in July. A first draft proposal for an amended regulation will be submitted to the ESSC in September 2015.
Discussion
With regard to the extension of the European Statistical Programme, several participants suggested the areas that should be highlighted more were the post-2015 agenda and Europe 2020, energy and climate issues while overall the workload should not increase.
Conclusions
DIMESA took note of the draft Annual Work Programme 2016 and of the upcoming extension of the European Statistical Programme to 2018-2020.
9. European regional and environmental policy update: DG ENV, DG CLIMA
DG ENV
Introduction
DG ENV reported progress on the implementation of their key environmental priorities: i) the 7th EAP; ii) the 'Circular economy' package, for which a new proposal was drafted in 2015 and an open consultation is open until August 2015; iii) an agreement between the Member States and the European Parliament on how to improve air quality by 2020; iv) the EU contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the post-2015 agenda; and v) the protection of natural capital.
Statistical data sent by countries are used for indicators in the areas of resource efficiency and circular economy, air quality, water, biodiversity, natural capital and sustainable development.
DG CLIMA
Introduction
DG CLIMA reported the latest developments in climate policy. Regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the EU is overachieving Kyoto 1 targets and is on track for Kyoto 2 targets. In terms of international negotiations on climate, a new agreement to keep global average temperature increase below 2°C is being prepared for signature in 2015.
The European Energy Union is one of the priorities of the new Commission. It will ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy for citizens and businesses. The EU 2030 framework for climate and energy policies has now agreed targets, new indicators and a new governance system.
Discussion on both presentations
Delegates discussed the idea of taking into account also footprint data (e.g. carbon footprint) and the link between consumption and production when targets are set and during negotiations at political level. Participants acknowledged the fact that significant data come from accounts, but not everybody agreed that it is the right moment to use it in negotiations. Commission mentioned the work done on carbon leakage which so far has not shown significant carbon leakage in Europe. Furthermore, a move towards a circular economy will help make Europe's footprint smaller in the future.
Conclusions
DIMESA took note of the work and priorities of the two policy DGs.
10. Indicator initiatives
10.1 Europe 2020 and resource efficiency indicators, 'GDP and beyond'
Introduction
Eurostat presented: the state of play of Europe 2020, and in particular the future plans to move to a yearly publication, subject to policy developments; the recent changes to the resource efficiency scoreboard; and, for 'GDP and beyond', the main achievements since 2012 (endorsed by the ESSC in March 2015) and the new action plan 2015-2017 (2020).
Discussion
One country expressed its appreciation for the set-up of the resource efficiency scoreboard and asked which messages the scoreboard conveys. DG ENV replied that the picture is mixed. However, more than to show progress on single themes, the merit of the scoreboard is to have collected in one single structure a set of indicators covering the whole topic of resource efficiency. On 'GDP and beyond', Eurostat clarified that the new plan 2015-2017(2020) will only include actions which are also in Eurostat's annual work programmes. 'GDP and beyond' does not entail a separate action plan.
Conclusions
DIMESA took note of work done in the areas of Europe 2020 and 'GDP and beyond'.
10.2 Sustainable development indicators
Introduction
Eurostat presented its activities to monitor the EU sustainable development strategy (EU SDS), the international process to develop indicators for the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets and the role it plays in the context of the post-2015 agenda. A 2015 monitoring report of the EU SDS is in preparation to be disseminated before the approval of the SDGs in September 2015. Depending on the outcome of the review of Europe 2020 and the impact of the SDGs on EU policies, a major review of the EU sustainable development indicator set may be envisaged in 2016.
Eurostat participates as an observer to the inter-agency and expert group on the SDG indicators (IAEG-SDG) and to the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building for post-2015 monitoring (HLG-SDG), both mandated by the 46th UN Statistical Commission. It supports the activities of the two groups and will facilitate a coordination of the EU Members of the groups.
Discussion
Following specific questions of the DIMESA regarding the SDG process, Eurostat clarified that the request of the policy makers to the statistical community is to develop a set of indicators which covers each aspect of each target, without establishing any hierarchy or priority. This makes it very difficult to set up an indicator framework. An implicit hierarchy of indicators will stem from the availability of the indicators. Some indicators are currently available and methodology is accepted, for others the methodology exists but only few countries produce data, while some other indicators need to be developed from scratch.
DIMESA called for a coordination role of Eurostat to pool together the SDG indicators from the EU Member States once the set is approved, and stated the need to integrate the EU SDS and the SDG indicators, not to establish parallel processes. Eurostat clarified that after the adoption of the SDGs in September 2015 a political EU process may be established to review the EU SDS. That will be the moment to work in a coordinated way to adapt the current EU SDI set to the new policy initiatives, assuming that Eurostat will still be mandated to monitor them.
Conclusions
DIMESA took note of the current state of the discussionand of Eurostat's plans.
11. Statistical activities of European and international organisations: EEA, JRC, OECD and UN
OECD
Introduction
The OECD reported on their work streams related to DIMESA, namely environment statistics, green growth and environmental accounts. Their work covers data, indicators, publications and country performance reviews with environmental profiles. A new data portal is the main entry to OECD statistics and indicators, charts, maps, tables and related publications. Priorities for 2016 include: update of databases and data quality improvements; further elaboration of green growth indicators; a revised core set of environmental indicators; and the increased use of geospatial data. The OECD mentioned their latest and forthcoming publications as well as future events.