Mid-Term Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of Edicom II programme
Date: 2004-04-23
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: activity report, data collection, exchange of information, extra-EU trade, intra-EU trade, statistics, trans-European network

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 23.4.2004 
COM(2004) 298 final 

 . 

MID-TERM REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDICOM II PROGRAMME 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................... 3 

General objectives of The EDICOM II programme .................................................... 8 

Implementation of the work programmes .................................................................... 9 

risk analysis................................................................................................................ 10 

Main Findings and guidelines for the future actions.................................................. 12 

ANNEX 1................................................................................................................................. 23 

ANNEX 2................................................................................................................................. 28 

2 

 
 
  
 
1. 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Background 

1. 

2. 

With  the  creation  of  the  Single  Market  on  1  January  1993  and  the  removal  of 
customs  formalities  between  the  EU  Member  States,  a  new  system  for  collecting 
statistics on the physical trade in goods was implemented, Intrastat. The recording of 
trade  with  EU  countries  was  converted  into  direct  surveys  in  companies.  The 
statistical system on the trade between Member States of the European Union and the 
rest of the world, Extrastat, continues to be based on the information available in the 
SAD  (Single  Administrative  Document),  which  is  collected  by  the  customs 
authorities. 

The  Edicom  Decision  507/2001/EC  of  12  March  2001  adopted  by  the  Council  and 
the  European  Parliament1  set  the  goal  of  encouraging  a  modern,  rational  and 
effective  organisation  of  the  transeuropean  collection,  treatment  and  distribution 
network for intra and extra-Community statistics, accompanied by the improvement 
and  harmonisation  of  statistical  methods.  The aim  is  to  produce  information  that  is 
more  reliable,  less  expensive  for  providers  and  administrations,  and  available  more 
quickly as well as being able to satisfy user needs in a more relevant way. 

3. 

Edicom II was planned to be developed over a period of five years, starting in 2001, 
and targets six main objectives: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Objective 1: An information network of better quality, which is less costly and 
available  more  quickly,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Community 
policies; 

Objective 2: A relevant information network adapted to the changing needs of 
users  within  the  framework  of  Economic  and  Monetary  Union  and  the 
international economic environment; 

Objective 3: An information network which is better integrated into the general 
statistical  environment  and  adapted  to  the  development  of  the  administrative 
environment; 

Objective  4:  A  network  improving  the  statistical  services  offered  to 
administrations, users and providers of data; 

Objective 5: A network based on tools for the collection of information in the 
light  of  the  latest  technological  advances  in  order  to  improve  the  functions 
available to information providers; 

– 

Objective 6 (horizontal): An integrated and interoperable network. 

4. 

As described in the ex-ante evaluation of the programme, these objectives have been 
broken down into 13 actions. 

1 

OJ L 76 of 16.3.2001, p. 1. 

3 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

A. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

Each  year,  the  Commission  adopts  a  decision  defining  the  annual  Edicom  II  work 
programme to be adopted by the Intrastat/Extrastat Committee.  

Objective and context of the evaluation  

The  main  purpose  of  the  evaluation  presented  in  this  report  is  to  “submit  to  the 
European Parliament and the Council a mid-term report of activities financed under 
the  new  programme  so  as  to  enable,  if  appropriate,  a  review  of  the  actions 
implemented under (the) decision to be carried out”, in accordance with Article 5 (2) 
of the Edicom decision. This report was drawn up by Eurostat Unit F2: International 
Trade. 

This evaluation is focused on the work programmes for the years 2001 to 2003. Not 
all the actions carried out within these work programmes were completed by the end 
of 2003. 

Main findings 

The  objectives  of  the  2001,  2002  and  2003  work  programmes  were  coherent  with 
those of the overall programme. The design of the programmes made it possible to 
apportion the activities efficiently between Member States and Eurostat. In most of 
the  projects  the  expected  results  were  clearly  defined,  facilitating  their  attainment 
and monitoring.  

The  implementation of the work programme has been particularly efficient, mainly 
thanks  to  the  assistance  of  specific  Working  Groups.  Progress  has  been  achieved 
across  a  wide  range  of  fields,  from  data  collection  to  dissemination.  Most  of  the 
projects  managed  to  achieve  significant  results  and  many  applications  have  been 
developed. 

The main preliminary achievements in accordance with the general objectives of the 
decision are the following.  

Objective  1:  Measures  relating  to  the  implementation  of  a  higher-quality 
information network, which is less costly and available more quickly, in line with 
the requirements of Community policy 

One  of  the  essential  needs  was  to  shorten  the  time  required  to  supply  data  to 
Eurostat.  Many  Member  States  have  developed  or  improved  advanced  estimator 
methodologies, which are being implemented in the 2002-2003 work programmes. 

Improvements  have  already  been  achieved  in  data  processing  and  analysis.  The 
checking  and  correction  of  basic  data  are  more  automated  and  comparisons  of 
Intrastat  data  with  other  sources  are  more  systematic.  Moreover,  many  Member 
States  worked  successfully  on  the  improvement  of  estimation  methods  for  trade 
below thresholds, non-responses and statistical values. 

The  centralised  actions  undertaken  within  the  objective  should  lead  to  the 
development  of  harmonised  methods  in  various  fields  such  as  production  of 
advanced  estimators,  updating  methods,  checking  of  basic  and  aggregated  trade 
statistics  and  adjustment  for  non-declared  trade.  Some  research  has  been  made  in 
order to achieve reconciliation for extra and intra trade. Most of these activities led to 

4 

 
 
  
 
B. 

14. 

15. 

C. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

the  identification  of  new  methodologies  and  enabled  the  development  of  software 
implementing  the  methodologies.  Moreover,  a  database  dealing  with  quality 
indicators  at  Member  State  level  has  been  set  up,  containing  both  quantitative  and 
qualitative  indicators.  The  Foreign  trade  statistics  Quality  Report  is  updated  yearly 
using this database, which in turn is updated annually via a questionnaire addressed 
to  Member  States.  This  is  a  relevant  tool  for  the  quantitative  evaluation  of  the 
Edicom II programme. 

Objective 2: Measures relating to the implementation of a network of information 
that is relevant and appropriate to users' changing needs, within the framework of 
Economic and Monetary Union and the international economic environment 

Eurostat  undertook  a  project  that  increased  understanding  of  the  methods  used  by 
Member  States  in  the  field  of  confidentiality  management.  Moreover,  a  set  of 
recommendations has been prepared to encourage good practice and discourage bad 
practices on confidentiality for external trade. This is going to be useful for present 
Member  States  but  also  for  the  Acceding  Countries  in  order  to  improve  the  data 
quality  by  limiting  the  use  of  confidentialisation,  while  preserving  individual  data 
from disclosure. 

In  addition,  investigations  have  been  made  into  new  statistics  to  be  supplied. 
Globalisation  seems  to  be  an  important  issue  to  be  dealt  with.  In  this  framework, 
analysis showed that information on intra-firm trade would be useful, but the level of 
detail and the best techniques to collect it should be identified. 

Objective  3:  Measures  relating  to  the  implementation  of  an  information  network 
better integrated into the general statistical system and adapted to developments in 
the administrative environment 

Eurostat and Member States have developed projects aimed at improving the quality 
and  interoperability  of  registers.  These  activities,  closely  monitored  by  the  Task 
Force  on  Trade  Registers  and  Globalisation,  will  be  useful  for  making  trade  and 
business statistics more consistent. 

Regarding data collection, the results achieved by the various projects have been in 
line with their objectives and cover the needs expressed. An important target in this 
field  is  the  adaptation  of  Intrastat.  The  feasibility  studies  launched  in  this  context 
concluded  that  no  further  substantial  modifications  are  needed.  A  new  Intrastat 
legislation has been prepared and adopted by the Commission. This basic legislation 
will  have 
rules 
(Commission  Regulation)  and  guidelines  in  order  to  facilitate  implementation  by 
Member States. 

to  be  complemented  by  comprehensive 

implementing 

Similarly,  as  regards  adaptation  of  Extrastat,  Eurostat  has  launched  projects 
analysing the needs for tariff statistics and how far the Customs declaration could be 
used for statistical purposes. The studies concluded that there was a need to improve 
tariff  statistics  in  order  to  satisfy  users  needs;  however,  in  this  context  scope  for 
fuller use of the Customs declaration seems limited. New Extrastat legislation could 
be prepared on this basis. 

5 

 
 
  
 
D. 

19. 

20. 

E. 

21. 

22. 

F. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

Objective 4: Measures relating to the implementation of a network improving the 
statistical service provided to administrations and users and providers of data 

The  development  of  an  automatic  system  to  classify  goods  in  the  relevant 
nomenclature  was  not  possible.  However,  new  measures  were  planned  in  order  to 
give a more rapid and user-friendly access to classifications and related products. 

It is  important to cut the time required to disseminate data. Eurostat has developed 
various  tools  to  improve  the  completeness  of  the  data,  the  level  of  detail,  and  to 
ensure quick dissemination.  

Objective 5: Measures relating to the implementation of a network based on tools 
for the collection of information in the light of the latest technological advances in 
order to improve functions available to information providers 

Concerning  data  collection  tools,  Eurostat  has  ensured  the  maintenance  and 
distribution of the updated version of IDEP/CN8 (Intrastat electronic form). Work by 
Member States on IDEP was based on a strategy agreed by the Intrastat Committee 
to  decentralise  the  maintenance  and  development  of  the  form  from  2004.  Eurostat 
and Member States have launched new projects to develop and implement web-based 
data collection.  

In parallel, Eurostat has maintained and further developed the standardised messages 
(Edifact, XML); message documentation guides have also been created. 

Objective 6 (horizontal): Measures relating to the implementation of an integrated 
and interoperable network 

Services to users were improved by the drafting of user guides, the improvement of 
the  COMEXT2  system’s  functionalities,  the  organisation  of  courses  and  the 
development  of  a  standalone  version  of  COMEXT  for  browsing  data  in  CD-ROM 
and other distribution media, and for the study and development of COMEXT Web 
support and its maintenance. 

Measures  have  been  launched  to  develop  tools  and  methods  in  various  domains  of 
the  European  network:  processing  and  validating  data;  communication  between 
national  administrations  and  Eurostat;  user  access  to  statistical  data  and  metadata, 
including  greater  use  of  the  Internet  and  improvements  to  the  software  for 
disseminating statistics on the trading of goods. This project, named XT-Net, is the 
main challenge for the end of the Edicom programme.  

In the light of constant changes and new needs arising in External Trade Statistics, it 
was  also  considered  necessary  to  review  and  update  the  existing  methodological 
material,  as  well  as  to  store  it  in  a  database  giving  easy  access  to  the  information. 
The main objectives of this action were achieved. 

2 

COMEXT is Eurostat’s database containing all available information on trade statistics. 

6 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
Risk analysis 

26. 

The following main risks were identified for the continuation of the programme: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

capacity to manage the programme ; 

risks to the means to be implemented for meeting the programme’s objectives; 

sustainability  of  the  programme  with  regard  to  the  availability  of  budgetary 
resources; 

maintenance and coherence of computer tools; 

extension of the programme following enlargement. 

These  risks  have  been  taken  into  account  when  defining  the  guidelines  for  future 
work. 

General  guidelines  and  recommendations 
programmes 

for 

the  2004-2005 

Action  should  be  taken  to  ensure  that  the  new  Financial  Regulation  is  strictly 
applied.  The  Commission  should  provide  appropriate  recommendations  to  the 
Member States. 

Methods  and  tools  which  have  been  developed  should  be  made  available  to  all  the 
Member  States  and  valorised  through  appropriate  means  such  as  seminars, 
workshops or guidelines in order to identify and promote best practice.  

The  co-ordination  and  monitoring  of  the  various  actions  should  be  reinforced.  The 
partnership  with  the  Member  States  through  “working  groups”  should  be  adapted 
accordingly. 

The  consequences  of  enlargement  should  be  taken  into  account  in  both  centralised 
and  decentralised  actions.  A  specific  work  plan  for  new  Member  States  must  be 
prepared and the necessary resources made available for its implementation.  

The  priorities  for  the  decentralised  actions  to  be  carried  out  by  Member  States, 
should be: 

– 

– 

the  implementation  of  the  new  Intrastat  Quality  requirements  (coverage, 
timeliness, confidentiality, reporting); 

the  introduction  of  the  new  common  methods  and  tools  which  have  been 
developed as part of the programme. 

All  proposals  for  new  actions  will  have  to  be  analysed  carefully  (needs  to  be  met, 
viability, capacity to manage the actions, level of priority, long-term consequences) 
and validated by the Commission.  

Reflection  should  start  on  whether  to  continue  the  Edicom  programme.  A 
the 
preliminary  proposal  by 

the  Commission  should  be  examined  by 

7 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

 
 
  
 
2. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

Intrastat/Extrastat  Committee  before  the  end  of  2004.  The  objective  should  be  to 
ensure  the  stability  of  the  system  and  the  durability  of  the  tools  which  have  been 
developed.  

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE EDICOM II PROGRAMME  

With  the  creation  of  the  Single  Market  on  1  January  1993  and  the  removal  of 
customs  formalities  between  the  EU  Member  States,  a  new  system  for  collecting 
statistics on the physical trade in goods was implemented, Intrastat. The recording of 
trade  with  EU  countries  was  converted  into  direct  surveys  in  companies.  The 
statistical system on the trade between Member States of the European Union and the 
rest of the world, Extrastat, continues to be based on the information available in the 
SAD  (Single  Administrative  Document),  which  is  collected  by  the  customs 
authorities.  Following  the  implementation  of  Intrastat  there  was  a  decline  in  data 
quality.  In  order  to  restructure  the  new  statistical  system,  a  support  programme, 
Edicom  I  (Electronic  Data  Interchange  on  Commerce)  was  implemented  in  the 
framework of Council Decision 96/715/EC of 9 December 1996. 

The  actions  undertaken  in  the  framework  of  this  programme  produced  satisfactory 
results.  The  time  needed  to  supply  the  data  has  been  considerably  reduced.  Data 
providers  have  accepted  the  new  system,  resulting  in  a  fall  in  the  non-transmission 
rate  of  Intrastat  declarations.  In  addition,  standardisation  and  development  of  tools 
have facilitated electronic information transmission. 

The  external  trade  statistics  system  has  entered  a  new  phase  of  development 
characterised by growing and increasingly demanding user needs for information in 
an uncertain administrative environment for data collection at both Community and 
national  levels.  Moreover,  the  action  plan  on  EMU3  statistical  requirements 
identified external trade statistics as one of the domains in which the needs of users 
are  less  satisfied.  The  action  plan  makes  clear  that,  in  certain  Member  States,  the 
time needed to supply these statistics is too long.  

To cope with this challenge, Eurostat proposed several strategic orientations aiming 
at improving the accuracy and relevance of the results, speeding up data availability, 
redirecting  statistical  offer,  and  preparing  deeper  adaptations  of  the  system  for  the 
medium  to  long  term.  Hence,  with  the  adoption  of  Decision  507/2001/EC  of  12 
March 2001 a new programme (Edicom II) with specific objectives was approved for 
the period 2001 to 2005. 

38. 

The general objectives of the new phase of the programme, were the following: 

•  To encourage a modern, rational and effective organisation of the trans-European 
collection,  treatment  and  distribution  network  for  intra  and  extra-Community 
statistics,  accompanied  by  the  improvement  and  harmonisation  of  statistical 
methods, in order to produce information which is: 

–  More  reliable,  less  expensive  for  providers  of  statistical  information  and 

administrations and available more quickly; 

3 

Action Plan on EMU Statistical requirements – European Commission (Eurostat in close collaboration 
with the European Central Bank – 25 September 2000). 

8 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
– 

Able to satisfy new users needs in a more relevant way. 

Within this framework, the requirements of Economic and Monetary Union will be 
favoured,  as  well  as  a  better  integration  of  statistics  on  the  trade  in  goods  in  the 
statistical system, at Community and international levels. 

•  To develop and promote existing tools for collection, treatment, transmission and 
distribution  of  statistical  data,  taking  into  account  the  latest  technological 
developments and seeking the best cost-effectiveness ratio. The explosion in  the 
exchange of electronic data is indeed setting relations between those involved in 
the  economic  world,  and  national  and  Community  statistical  administrations, 
which will have to adapt to this new technological environment. 

To  achieve  these  two  main  decision  principles,  the  six  specific  or  operational 
objectives set out in Para. 3 were defined within the Edicom II programme. 

With respect to the six objectives, the Edicom II programme has been broken down 
into 13 actions. The table in Annex 1 presents, the expected results for each action of 
the global Edicom II programme and some performance indicators linked to them. 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMMES  

Each  year,  the  Commission  adopts  a  Decision  which  defines  the  annual  Edicom  II 
work programme to be approved by the Intrastat/Extrastat Committee.  

Member  States  are  to  be  contacted  concerning  their  proposals  for  decentralised 
projects at the same time as Eurostat is defining centralised projects. In addition, an 
Edicom  monitoring  committee  within  Eurostat  must  approve  projects  involving 
different directorates; bilateral contacts also take place with other Eurostat units in an 
effort to identify any projects falling within the Edicom II field of application. 

Where  necessary,  proposals  for  centralised  and  decentralised  projects  are  discussed 
by  thematic  working  groups  (Quality,  Methods,  Trade  Registers/Globalisation  and 
Information  and  Communication  Technology  ICT).  A  specific  task  force  was  also 
created  in  2003  in  order  to  co-ordinate  centralised  and  decentralised  actions  as 
regards the development of tools. 

Some  of  the  projects  (on  average  55%  of  the  budget)  are  undertaken  centrally  by 
Eurostat,  while  others  are  carried  out  by  Member  States  by  means  of  regulated 
subsidies  (on  average  45%  of 
the  budget).  Edicom  represents  about  100 
contracts/conventions a year. 

When  subsidies  are  granted  to  Member  States,  they  must  submit  a  final  report  to 
Eurostat.  For  this  purpose,  in  2002  recommendations  were  provided  to  Member 
States on how to present a complete final report that allows all the work carried out 
to be properly evaluated. 

Centralised projects have been awarded to private firms in accordance with the call 
for tender procedure. 

The  Working  Groups  on  Quality,  Methods,  Trade  Registers/Globalisation,  and  ICT 
have assisted Eurostat in monitoring and evaluating actions 1 to 8, 12 and 13 of the 

9 

39. 

40. 

3. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 

46. 

47. 

 
 
  
 
Edicom II programme. Eurostat has itself monitored actions 9, 10 and 11, since these 
were not coordinated by a working party. 

The results of all actions are planned to be made available to national administrations 
in an internal database.  

48. 

As  regards  monitoring,  some  indicators  have  been  defined  which  will  be  exploited 
further to assess the implementation of the programme. These indicators include the 
time needed to supply advanced estimators; the bias of initial estimates with respect 
to  final  results;  number  of  Member  States  that  have  developed,  implemented  and 
promoted Intrastat web forms, etc. 

4. 

RISK ANALYSIS 

49. 

The following main risks were identified for the continuation of the programme. 

1. 

50. 

51. 

Capacity of managing the programme  

The  financial  management  rules  under  the  new  Financial  Regulation  (applicable  in 
2003)  are  stricter.  These  rules  apply  to  both  centralised  actions  (provision  of 
services) and decentralised actions (grants to Member States). In order to continue, 
as in the past, to comply with the rules and procedures in force without affecting the 
smooth  running  of  the  programme,  the  necessary  resources  must  be  available  to 
prepare and monitor the implementation of the programme (each year a Commission 
decision  must  be  prepared  for  approval  of  the  work  programme  and  around  100 
contracts are signed).  

Eurostat has already had difficulties in finding on the market the technical expertise 
required by a programme as specific as the Edicom programme. The limited number 
of tenderers bears witness to this. The situation could threaten actions where the risk 
seems high that results might not be achieved by outsourcing work. 

10 

 
 
  
 
52. 

53. 

54. 

55. 

2. 

56. 

57. 

58. 

59. 

The number of actions carried out by the Member States is currently high (around 60 
agreements per year accounting for approximately 45% of the budget). Most of the 
Member  States  appear  to  have  difficulties  in  implementing  the  actions  they  have 
launched. These difficulties are likely to worsen in the future. The main reasons for 
this are as follows: 

Staff  of  the  national  administrations  are  often  directly  involved  in  carrying  out  at 
least part of the work. However, they do this work in addition to activities for which 
they  are  responsible  at  national  level.  Paradoxically,  some  administrations  are 
therefore  confronted  with  a 
for 
implementing/managing the actions. 

lack  of  competent 

resources 

internal 

The Edicom programme has a snowball effect. Each year new projects are launched, 
sometimes in addition to actions already underway, thus aggravating the difficulties 
of the national administrations in managing the programme.  

The  budgetary  rules  on  agreements  are  stricter  than  before,  in  particular  for  sub-
contracting,  for  which  there  was  already  a  tight  framework.  Member  States  must 
comply strictly with these new regulations and provide detailed reports on the actions 
taken.  The  capacity  of  the  Member  States  to  adapt  to  these  new  rules  has  to  be 
assessed.  

Risks to the means to be implemented for meeting the programme’s objectives 

The  Edicom  programme  was  launched  on  the  basis  of  an  ex  ante  evaluation 
identifying  the  actions  to  be  taken  and  assessing  the  necessary  means  for 
implementing them.  

The  ex  ante  evaluation  is,  of  course,  only  one  source  of  reference  and  if  the  set 
objectives are all relevant and remain valid, the concrete means to be implemented to 
achieve them have already been adapted. For example, the Commission did submit a 
proposal for adapting Intrastat legislation, but the studies carried out centrally and in 
the  Member  States  did  not  have  the  scope  originally  envisaged  and  did  not 
demonstrate  the  need  for  a  drastic  simplification  of  the  collection  system.  The 
simplification  objective,  which  had  been  present  in  the  ex  ante  evaluation,  was 
therefore tempered in practice. 

In view of  the  preliminary  results of the  actions,  the  means  and  procedures  needed 
for  achieving  the  programme’s  objectives  could  be  re-examined.  In  particular,  the 
cost/benefit  ratio  of  certain  actions  should  be  reassessed,  taking  into  account  a 
probable redefinition of the work to be carried out inside Eurostat (core business) and 
outside. If necessary, user needs should also be re-evaluated. 

There  must  also  be  consistency  between  the  various  actions.  For  example, 
development  of  a  number  of  tools  was  started  in  the  first  part  of  the  programme. 
These tools are intended to be applied either centrally or in the Member States. The 
results  obtained  or  expected  should  be  analysed  case  by  case  so  that  the  tools 
developed under the programme can be implemented; the necessary resources should 
be allocated accordingly. 

11 

 
 
  
 
3. 

60. 

61. 

4. 

62. 

63. 

5. 

64. 

65. 

5. 

66. 

Sustainability  of  the  programme  with  regard  to  the  availability  of  budgetary 
resources 

The  late  adoption  of  the  Commission  financing  decision  in  2003  and  the 
postponement of certain actions of the 2003 Edicom programme in order to comply 
with the instructions of the Commission to reduce the office's work programme have 
shown how dependent the programme is on external events or decisions. 

The  Edicom  programme  can  function  smoothly  only  if  the  resources  required  to 
carry  out  the  actions  are  assessed  correctly  and  those  resources  are  available  when 
the actions are launched. There is a risk that resources will not be available, or will 
not  be  fully  available,  for  reasons  outside  the  scope  of  even  the  procedures  for 
adopting the annual work programmes. 

Maintenance and coherence of computer tools 

The Edicom programme has a strong IT element. Several tools have been developed 
and existing tools are currently being updated. Some tools have a generic utility (they 
can for example be used in other areas of statistics or other environments); others are 
limited to statistics relating to the trading of goods. 

Since  the  Edicom  programme  is  of  limited  duration,  it  is  important  to  assess  the 
necessary evolutionary maintenance costs of these tools to ensure that the necessary 
resources  are  available  at  the  end  of  the  programme  –  at  Community  level  for 
centralised tools and in the Member States for tools developed for national purposes. 

Extension of the programme following enlargement 

The Edicom programme is currently limited to the 15 current Member States, which 
are  the  only  ones  who  can  benefit  from  grants.  Work  has  been  started  with  the 
acceding  countries  to  assess  their  own  needs  in  relation  to  taking  part  in  the 
programme once they have joined.  

Account must be taken of the impact of enlargement on the Edicom programme, with 
regard to both the nature of the actions to be taken and the budget, in the light of any 
adaptations  to  be  made  to  the  programme  following  examination  of  the  mid-term 
report. 

MAIN FINDINGS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE ACTIONS 

The  measures  or  activities  undertaken  in  the  2001-2003  programmes  have  been 
classified according to the six main objectives: 

Objective 1: An information network of better quality, less costly and available 
more quickly, in accordance with the requirements of the Community policies. 

12 

 
 
  
 
Action 1:  Development of advanced estimators 

Results already achieved: 

(Belgium,  Denmark,  Germany,  Spain,  Luxembourg, 
Ten  Member  States 
Netherlands,  Portugal,  Finland,  Sweden,  United  Kingdom)  managed  to  develop  or 
improve  a  methodology  making  it  possible  to  enhance  the  advanced  estimators.  In 
half  of  the  cases  the  2001  work  programme  focused  on  the  development  of  the 
methodology while implementation has followed during the 2002 work programme. 
Some  Member  States  also  envisaged  continuing  the  action  during  the  2003  work 
programme, whilst Austria and Greece have started in 2003 the enhancement of their 
national systems for advanced estimation. 

Concerning  Eurostat,  a  comparison  between  several  nowcasting  methods  has  been 
successfully  made.  The  next  step  will  be  to  develop  an  application,  for  Eurostat, 
incorporating  the  various  methods  and  enabling  the  production  of  short-term 
statistics  for  Member  States  who  are  late  in  transmitting  their  results.  The 
development will also be very useful for the Acceding Countries in order to comply 
with Intrastat deadlines for the transmission of results. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  methodologies  used  by  Member  States  for  advanced 
estimation have been compared by Eurostat and a harmonised methodology has been 
proposed  combining  an  ARIMA  model  and  a  growth  rate  factor.  Based  on  these 
results, an application will be developed, to be incorporated with the application of 
the nowcasting methods. 

Finally,  Eurostat  has  carried  out  an  analysis  of  the  updating  processes  used  by 
Member  States.  The  time  series  have  been  analysed  and  models  for  the  update 
patterns  have  been  proposed  and  tested.  An  IT  application  has  been  developed 
enabling the automatic creation of forecasting models and the consequent correction 
for the biases of the updates. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  a  new  action  will  be  launched  to  adapt  (in  particular  to  EU 
enlargement) the Eurostat tool to estimate missing data. 

At decentralised level, actions to produce advanced estimations should be launched 
in  priority  by  the  new  Member  States.  Member  States  may  also  launch  actions  to 
reduce the effect of updates. 

67. 

68. 

69. 

70. 

71. 

72. 

13 

 
 
  
 
73. 

74. 

75. 

76. 

77. 

Action 2:  Quality 

Results already achieved: 

Nine  Member  States  (Denmark,  Greece,  Spain,  Italy,  Luxembourg,  Portugal, 
Finland,  Sweden,  United  Kingdom)  managed  to  improve  their  current  quality 
controls and correction systems of basic statistics by using more automated processes 
and carrying out comparisons of Intrastat data with other sources. Furthermore, seven 
Member  States  (Denmark,  Germany,  Greece,  Italy,  Portugal,  Finland,  United 
Kingdom) have improved their current system of imputation for non-declared trade 
data  and  for  the  estimation  of  the  statistical  value.  Finally,  four  Member  States 
(Denmark,  Italy,  Luxembourg,  Finland)  have  worked  on  outlier  detection,  using 
software  developed  by  Eurostat  with  some  modifications  to  take  into  account  their 
national systems specificities and different levels of aggregation. 

Eurostat has undertaken projects to analyse the methods developed in Member States 
to  check  the  individual  data/records  coming  from  companies  and  the  methods 
developed in Member States and the Commission (Eurostat) to check data at a more 
aggregated level of product and geographical classifications. The aims were to have a 
thorough  evaluation  of  the  current  methods  in  use  and  an  assessment  of  the 
feasibility  of  the  common  platform  at  EU  level.  These  projects  led  to  a  global 
proposition for quality controls of input and output trade statistics. A list of variables 
and controls as well as methods to implement them has been presented. As regards 
output statistics at Eurostat level, a list of quality indicators has been proposed to be 
available  monthly,  coming  from  different  sources  (DPS,  Comext,  etc.).  Moreover, 
Eurostat’s existing outlier detection system has been improved. 

In  the  field  of  quality  reporting,  various  activities  have  been  undertaken  aimed  at 
enhancing  quality  measurement,  control  and  assurance.  Hence,  propositions  have 
been made to improve Intrastat Regulations on data quality; mirror leaflets have been 
released and a Database has been created to collect Member States’ quantitative and 
qualitative information on quality indicators. This Database, named QUIET, must be 
updated annually via a questionnaire sent to Member States and could be a relevant 
tool  for  a  quantitative  evaluation  of  the  Edicom  II  programme.  Moreover,  it  is  the 
source used to update the Eurostat annual quality report on foreign trade statistics. 

Regarding  the  treatment  of  asymmetries,  the  aim  of  the  proposed  measure  was  to 
compare and implement specific models to reconcile the divergent data on the basis 
of  several  methods.  Eurostat  has  succeeded  in  identifying  models  of  reconciliation 
for  Intra  and  Extra  EU  trade  and  software  has  been  developed.  The  study  of 
asymmetries will be continued and updated, with a particular emphasis on the impact 
of enlargement and on operational recommendations aimed at limiting the impact of 
the discrepancies on data quality. 

Finally,  Eurostat  has  completed  a  project  aimed  at  investigating  the  adjustment 
methods  used  by  Member  States  in  the  field  of  non-declared  trade  (trade  below 
thresholds  and  non-responses).  For  this  purpose,  a  questionnaire  was  sent  to  the 
Member  States.  The  responses  made  it  possible  to  describe  and  compare  methods 
used  by  the  Member  States.  Simulations  have  been  carried  out  and  finally  the 
different  methods  for  adjustment  have  been  implemented  in  an  application,  which 
can be used to compensate for non-declared trade at individual or global level. This 

14 

 
 
  
 
should  be  very  useful  to  help  Acceding  countries  to  choose  among  the  methods 
already used and tested in the Member States. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  an  action  will  be  launched  to  define  and  implement  a  list  of 
controls  suited  to  each  step  of  data  production.  The  actions  dealing  with  quality 
assessment and asymmetries will be continued. 

At  decentralised  level,  Member  States  should  in  priority  launch  actions  aiming  at 
improving  data  quality  by  quality  checks  appropriate  to  different  levels,  better 
adjustments, and reducing intra-EU asymmetries. 

Objective 2:  A  relevant  information  network  adapted  to  the  changing  needs  of 
the  users  within  the  framework  of  Economic  and  Monetary  Union  and  the 
international economic environment 

Action 3:  New short term indicators  

Results already achieved: 

The application NICE for the calculation of indices of the unit value and volume of 
Member  States'  external  trade  has  been  developed  and  implemented  into  Eurostat's 
production environment enabling unit value indices to be calculated every month.  

Concerning the production of export and import price indices, most of the Member 
States consider the availability of the first series feasible after 2005. The introduction 
of  the  import  price  indicator  into  the  Short  Term  Statistics  Council  Regulation  has 
been supported by half of the countries but without the Euro zone / non Euro zone 
distinction. For the "total" indices, a deadline of 45 days seems to be achievable.  

Six  Member  States  (Finland,  France,  Germany,  Italy,  Netherlands,  Austria)  have 
undertaken work to improve the national measure of external trade price indices. 

Seven  Member  States  (Denmark,  Finland,  Greece,  Italy,  Netherlands,  Austria, 
Sweden)  have  undertaken  projects  in  the  fields  of  CIF/FOB  adjustments;  new 
projects are expected in the next work programmes. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  a  new  action  will  be  launched  to  define  precisely  the 
methodological frame to design specific import/export price surveys. The quality of 
CIF/FOB  adjustment  ratio  used  by  Member  States  will  be  evaluated  and 
recommendations will be produced. 

78. 

79. 

80. 

81. 

82. 

83. 

84. 

85. 

At decentralised level, actions to improve the quality of import/export prices as well 
as the CIF/FOB adjustment will be promoted. 

15 

 
 
  
 
86. 

87. 

88. 

89. 

90. 

91. 

92. 

Action 4: 

Confidentiality  

Results already achieved: 

The  project  undertaken  by  Eurostat  has  increased  understanding  of  the  processes 
used  by  Member  States.  All  Member  States  apply  passive  confidentiality  but  there 
are great disparities in the share of confidential  data between Member States and a 
lack of coherence at EU level.  

One Member State (United Kingdom) has undertaken a thorough examination of the 
practical  process  of  confidentialisation  at  national  level.  It  appears  that  periodic 
reminders  sent  to  firms  allow  suppressions  to  be  reviewed  and  in  some  cases 
removed, so that data previously confidential can be released into the public domain. 
Three other countries (Denmark, France, Italy) are conducting studies to improve the 
management of confidentiality. 

A set of recommendations on the management of confidentiality has been provided 
and  will  be  proposed  to  Member  States.  If  applied,  these  measures  would  improve 
the quality of data at national level and the coherence of statistics at EU level. 

A  first  study  of  confidential  data,  at  detailed  level,  shows  that  there  is  room  for 
improvement  of  EU  statistics  by  the  use  of  techniques  such  as  aggregation  or 
addition of random noise. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  work  will  begin  to  limit  as  far  as  possible  the  effect  of 
confidentiality on the EU and eurozone aggregates published by Eurostat. 

At  decentralised  level,  Member  States  may  launch  actions  to  limit  the  weight  of 
confidential  data  (including  contacts  with  firms  to  assess  the  need  of  keeping  data 
confidential over time).  

Action 5:  New statistical products  

Results already achieved: 

The analysis undertaken by Eurostat and by several Member States has led to a clear 
picture of the main possible sources of information to estimate intra-firm trade. An 
assessment  of  user  needs  within  European  Institutions  showed  a  limited  need  at 
detailed  level  of  products.  Furthermore,  there  was  no  agreement  between  Member 
States on the best collection tool to be implemented. Consequently, it is unlikely that 
a full collection system of intra-firm statistics will be established at EU level before 
the end of the Edicom programme. 

93. 

Several  analyses  launched  by  Member  States  have  made  it  possible  to  produce 
experimental data sets with a breakdown of external trade by activity sectors. 

16 

 
 
  
 
94. 

95. 

96. 

97. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  no  Edicom  action  is  planned,  synthesis  of  the  work  being 
produced with Eurostat internal resources. 

At decentralised level, Member States may launch actions to produce data linked to 
structural business statistics (including data with a breakdown by activity sector) and 
to test survey-based methodology to collect data on intra-firm trade. 

Objective 3:  A  network  of  information  which  is  better  integrated  into  the 
general statistical system and adapted to the developments of the administrative 
environment 

Action 6: 

Registers 

Results already achieved: 

Eurostat has undertaken a project that presents methods to improve the links between 
registers, making trade statistics and business statistics more coherent.  

Eight  Member  States  (Germany,  Finland,  Greece,  Italy,  Austria,  Netherlands, 
Portugal,  Sweden)  have  undertaken  work  to  improve  the  quality  of  registers, 
including possible extensions to Extrastat and links with business registers. In several 
countries these links have allowed the production of data by activity sector planned 
under action 5. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

98. 

While  no  more  action  is  planned  at centralised level, actions could  be launched  by 
Member  States  aiming  at  implementing  Extrastat  registers,  or  improving  quality  or 
interoperability of existing registers. 

Action 7: 

Adapting and modernising Extrastat  

Results already achieved: 

99. 

100. 

The inventory of unused but statistically relevant Customs data available at national 
level showed that only few data considered as statistically interesting data elements, 
were  available  in  enough  Member  States  so  as  to  be  considered  relevant. 
Nevertheless,  their  feasible  statistical  use  could  significantly  enhance  tariff  and 
mirror statistics. 

Another  study  pointed  to  a  clear  overall  need  to  improve  the  quality  of  already 
existing  tariff  statistics  and  to  add  tariff  measures  information.  Other  sources  of 
information  of  potential  use  for  negotiations  have  been  analysed  and  assessed, 
especially with respect to a further improvement of tariff statistics. 

101. 

The first steps of the modular Taristat project aiming to combine trade and tariff data 
have resulted in an application that primarily supplies basic tariff information. 

17 

 
 
  
 
102. 

103. 

104. 

105. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

At  centralised  level,  the  main  objective  will  be  to  finish  the  Taristat  project.  Other 
actions could be launched in the framework of the adaptation of the Extrastat system. 

At decentralised level, Member States may launch actions aimed at improving their 
collaboration  between  authorities  in  charge  of  Customs  and  Statistics  in  order  to 
speed up the  availability of Extrastat statistics and improve the quality of the basic 
information.  This  target  should  be  reached  through  ad  hoc  agreements  and  the 
modernisation of the collection/transmission systems. 

Action 8: 

Preparing the adaptation of Intrastat in the long term  

Results already achieved: 

An  opinion  poll  was  launched  in  six  Member  States  (Belgium,  Germany,  France, 
Italy,  Sweden,  United  Kingdom)  to  reassess  the  burden  on  providers  of  statistical 
information.  The  burden  of  the  Intrastat  system  seems  to  be  reasonable  and 
acceptable. Over 70 percent of the traders need less than 4 hours a month to complete 
the  declaration.  The  commodity  code  is  the  information  item  which  causes  most 
difficulties.  Even  so,  the  survey  results  do  not  indicate  any  serious  need  for 
substantial  changes.  Nevertheless,  following  a  general  trend  towards  reducing  the 
administrative  burden  it  would  be  worthwhile  offering  tools  that  encourage  the 
traders to fill in declarations automatically. This aspect is tackled in the framework 
of action 12. 

The assessment of users’ needs confirmed that no substantial change in the existing 
system was expected. In particular, the need for detailed information on commodities 
was  highlighted  (from  the  survey,  nine  out  of  ten  respondents  use  the  Combined 
Nomenclature  (CN),  71%  use  CN  codes  usually  or  systematically  and  one 
respondent  in  three  uses  all  chapters  of  the  CN).  Other  interesting  findings  were 
identified and taken into account, in particular the progress to be made on timeliness 
and reliability of data. 

106. 

On the basis of the projects mentioned above, a new Basic Intrastat legislative act has 
been prepared which has the main following characteristics: 

– 

– 

– 

The legislation is more understandable and more transparent; 

It takes fully into account the requirements of users; 

Quality aspects have been reinforced. 

107. 

This  legislation  was  adopted  by  the  Commission  in  June  2003  and  sent  to  the 
European Parliament and the Council for approval. 

18 

 
 
  
 
Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

108.  While no more action is planned at centralised level, pilot projects could be launched 
by Member States to analyse the practical feasibility of alternative collection systems 
such as the “one flow system”. 

Objective 4:  A  network 
administrations, users and data providers 

improving 

the 

statistical 

service  offered 

to 

Action 9: 

Coordination of dissemination  

Results achieved: 

109. 

110. 

111. 

112. 

The  projects  undertaken  by  Eurostat  have  permitted  the  development  of  modern, 
flexible  dissemination  outputs,  which  allow  an  improvement  of  the  production  of 
publications  such  as  the  monthly  bulletin.  Similarly,  a  computer-based  support  for 
the routine running of the publications database has been developed. 

A  reconstitution  of  historical  series  since  1989  has  been  obtained  by  retropolation. 
Eurostat thus meets the expectations of users, such as the ECB, making available raw 
value data and seasonally-adjusted data. 

The  relevant  analysis  of  the  external  trade  of  the  EU  and  euro  zone  developed  by 
Eurostat  has  led  to  the  production  of  regular  short  analyses  of  the  latest  trade  data 
(SiF). Similarly, a new longer publication (Panorama) offering an annual review of 
the evolution of the trade of the EU and euro zone, is now published. 

As a result of the COMEXT support project, 17 training courses have been given in 
Brussels, Luxembourg, INE-Madrid and ECB-Frankfurt, as well as some interactive 
courses via the internet. In this context, different items of COMEXT documentation, 
including course manuals, have been prepared. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

113. 

At  centralised  level,  actions  will  be  launched  to  adapt  Eurostat  publications  and 
databases to EU enlargement.  

No action is expected at decentralised level. 

Action 10: Automatic classification system  

Results already achieved: 

114. 

115. 

Eurostat  has  launched  two  projects  with  a  view  to  ensure  the  evolutionary 
maintenance of products related to the CN and to design an automatic classification 
system. 

The  project  on  evolutionary  maintenance  of  products  related  to  the  CN,  was 
developed  with  satisfactory  results,  as  those  products  were  made  available  and 
disseminated in time, in the 11 official languages of the European Union. 

116. 

Regarding the project to analyse and design an automatic  classification system,  the 
results of a feasibility study highlighted the difficulties of integrating such a tool in 

19 

 
 
  
 
the  existing  system  as  well  as  high  maintenance  costs.  The  project  had  then  to  be 
cancelled. 

117. 

An  alternative  project  has  been  launched  to  develop  a  specific  tool  in  Eurostat’s 
classification web server for searching and indexing classifications in order to allow 
rapid  and  user-friendly  access  to  classifications  and  related  products,  and  to  help 
users classify their products in the various nomenclatures and classifications. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

118. 

At  centralised  level,  the  main  action  should  be  completion  of  the  project  aimed  at 
modernising and simplifying the Combined Nomenclature. 

No action is expected at decentralised level. 

Action 11:  Dissemination of metadata  

Results already achieved: 

119. 

Eurostat has launched two projects with this purpose. 

120. 

121. 

The  first,  developed  with  satisfactory  results,  covered  the  need  to  implement 
computer  tools  that  ensure  the  coherent  and  user-friendly  availability  of  the  annual 
updated Intrastat version of the Combined Nomenclature and its related products. 

The  second  project  dealt  with  an  analysis  of  the  ways  to  implement  the  most 
advanced  technologies  to  speed  up  the  distribution  of  metadata  and  facilitate 
accessibility  to  the  information.  This  could  consist  in  a  simple  and  well-structured 
consultation  interface  offering  a  number  of  tools  best  suited  for  electronic 
dissemination of information via Eurostat’s classifications web server. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

122. 

At centralised level, the main objective should be that the tools developed to manage 
the  classifications  and  derived  products  are  modernised  and  adapted  to  the 
constraints of enlargement.  

No action is expected at decentralised level. 

Objective 5:  A  network  based  on  information-gathering  tools  taking  into 
account the latest technological developments in order to improve the function 
offered to data providers 

Action 12:  Collection Tools  

Results already achieved: 

123. 

A project was successfully launched on the ‘IDEP/CN8 Maintenance and Support’ to 
ensure  the  continuity  of  the  service  provided  by  Eurostat  to  the  Member  States 
regarding  the  maintenance  and  update  of  IDEP/CN8  on  an  annual  basis.  The  2004 
version of the software was the last to be developed at central level. 

20 

 
 
  
 
124. 

125. 

At decentralised level, actions with all Member States have led to the improvement 
of the current collections tools, or/and the development and implementation of Web 
forms as data collection tools. Actions by Member States on IDEP were based on a 
strategy  agreed  by  the  Intrastat  Committee  to  decentralise  the  development  and  the 
maintenance of the tool from 2004.  

Another project dealt successfully with the maintenance of the EDIFACT messages, 
the  production  of  Message  Implementation  Guidelines,  the  support  to  CNAs  and 
PSIs,  as  well  as  the  implementation  of  EDIFACT  messages  in  IDEP/CN8. 
Importance  was  also  given  in  the  modernisation  of  messages  with  the  use  of  XML 
for  Intrastat  data  collection  (Message  INSTAT/XML).  Message  documentation 
guides have also been produced. 

Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

126. 

The following recommendations and priorities should guide the actions: 

– 

– 

autonomy of the tools which are developed, at the end of the programme; 

availability  and  promotion  of  electronic  (online  and  offline)  declarations  for 
Intrastat in all countries, in particular new Member States; 

– 

availability and promotion of standardised messages. 

127. 

128. 

In this context, actions at centralised level will focus on the co-ordination of actions 
on the development of web forms and the standardisation of messages. 

At decentralised level, Member States will be recommended to make available as far 
as possible electronic (on line and off line) declarations for Intrastat. 

Objective 6 (horizontal): 

Integrated and interoperable network 

Action 13: 

Integrated system-Interoperability-Network implementation 

Results already achieved: 

129. 

Services to users were improved by the drafting of user guides, improvements to the 
COMEXT system’s functionalities, the organisation of courses and the development 
of  the  COMEXT  stand-alone  version  for  browsing  data  in  CD-ROM  and  other 
distribution media. In addition, users were given access to Comext through the web. 

130. 

Additionally,  a  project  was  launched  to  improve  the  existing  methodological 
reference material and develop tools giving easy access to the information.  

131.  Measures  have  been  launched  to  modernise  the  various  elements  of  the  trans-
European  network  within  the  Community  and  between  the  Community  and  non-
member  countries  (XT  net  project).  Tools  and  methods  should  be  developed  in  the 
following domains: processing and validating data; communication between national 
administrations and Eurostat; user  access to  statistical  data  and  metadata,  including 
greater  use  of  the  Internet  and  improvements  to  the  software  for  disseminating 
statistics on the trading of goods. 

21 

 
 
  
 
Guidelines for the 2004-2005 programmes: 

132. 

133. 

At  centralised  level,  the  main  objective  should  be  the  achievement  of  the  XT  net 
project and the improvement of Internet access to statistics and metadata.  

At decentralised level, actions on the implementation of XT net will be initiated by 
Member States. 

22 

 
 
  
 
ANNEX 1 

Table 1: 

Objectives, expected results and performance indicators for the Edicom II 
programme (2001-2005) according to the ex ante evaluation 

Objective  1:  An  information  network  of  better  quality,  less  costly  and  available  more 
quickly, in accordance with the requirements of the Community policies. 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

Action  1:  To  speed  up  the 
availability  of  the  statistics 
level  by 
at  aggregated 
improving 
statistical 
estimation techniques 

Member  States  aggregated  figures  for  the 
intra  and  extra  euro  area  trade  have  been 
made available around 40 days after the end 
of the reference month. 

time  needed 

The 
aggregated level; 

to  supply  data  at 

Number  of  Member  States  complying  with 
the deadline for the transmission of data to 
Eurostat. 

Action  2:  To  provide  high-
quality 
statistics 
trade 
quickly  and  punctually,  by 
controlling  the  quality  of 
basic  statistics,  enhancing 
quality  measurement  and 
tackling 
assurance, 
asymmetries, 
developing 
imputing  and  harmonising 
statistical methods. 

Eurozone  and  EU  aggregated  figures  are 
published  around  46  days  after  the  end  of 
the reference period. 

The  average  timeliness  for  Eurostat  to 
publish press releases. 

New  methods  or  tools  enabling  Member 
States  and/or  Eurostat  to  decrease  the 
revision bias have been developed. 

The bias of initial estimates with respect to 
final results at aggregated level; 

Availability  and  implementation  of  tools 
developed. 

A common platform at EU level to control 
basic statistics has been developed. 

A list of controls recommended by Eurostat 
has been released; 

Number  of  Member  States  in  agreement 
with the common platform. 

A common framework for quality assurance 
has been developed, covering : 

Number  of  Member  States 
regularly 
sending  a  quality  report  to  EUROSTAT 
according to a common layout; 

The  regular  reporting  on  quality  from 
Member  States  and  Eurostat 
including 
assessment of users satisfaction and ad-hoc 
methods to control output data; 

A quality database. 

EUROSTAT  regularly  releases  a  synthesis 
quality report; 

A quality database has been developed and 
updated. 

Relevant  tools  that  enable  Eurostat  and 
Member  States  to  cope  with  asymmetries 
have been developed.  

Level of asymmetries; 

Availability of reconciliation tools. 

Methods/tools  enabling  Member  States  to 
estimate  or  impute  the  non-declared  trade 
have been developed and implemented. 

Number of Member States using adjustment 
methods  for  non-response  and  trade  below 
the assimilation threshold. 

The Member States transmission process of 
monthly data revisions has been improved. 

A  set  of  Eurostat  recommendations  has 
been released; 

Number  of  Member  States  in  agreement 
with Eurostat recommendations. 

23 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Objective 2:  A  relevant  information  network  adapted  to  the  changing  needs  of  the 
users  within  the  framework  of  Economic  and  Monetary  Union  and  the  international 
economic environment 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

A  new  application  for  the  calculation  of 
unit value indices has been developed. 

Availability  of  a  new  application  for  the 
calculation of unit value indices. 

Action  3:  To  provide  new 
short-term 
indicators 
adapted  to  the  needs  of 
economic  analysis  at  EU 
and EMU level 

for 

system 

A 
of 
the 
import/export  price  statistics  of  the  euro 
zone has been developed. 

production 

Number  of  Member  States  producing 
import and export price specific indexes not 
based  on  unit  values  but  on  real  price 
information. 

Seasonal  adjustment  methods  used  by 
Eurostat have been improved. 

Availability  of  quality 
seasonally adjusted data. 

indicators  on 

A method at the Community and euro zone 
levels to obtain FOB/FOB trade balance has 
been developed. 

Availability  of  CIF/FOB  adjustments 
(Number  of  Member  States  making  these 
adjustments). 

Action  4:  To  manage  and 
improve  the  processing  of 
confidentiality  of  statistics 
in an integrated approach at 
and  European 
national 
level. 

A  methodology  making 
to 
publish  real  value  of  trade  statistics  (at  a 
level  of  aggregation  to  be  determined  with 
Member States) has been developed. 

it  possible 

Users of COMEXT have more information 
on  the  impact  of  confidential  data  in  trade 
statistics. 

Percentage  of  confidential  data  in  external 
trade (in quantity and value). 

Availability of a recommendation guide and 
its implementation by Member States. 

Action  5:  To  increase  user 
satisfaction  by  providing  a 
more  complete  range  of 
statistics 

Statistics  on  the  proportion  of  the  EU’s 
international  transactions  carried  out  by 
related 
the  same 
enterprise group have been made available. 

firms  belonging 

to 

Intra-firm statistics available at EU level. 

External 
trade  statistics  and  structural 
business  statistics  have  been  made  more 
comparable. 

Trade data by activity sectors are available. 

24 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Objective 3:  A  network  of  information  which  is  better  integrated  into  the  general 
statistical system and adapted to the developments of the administrative environment 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

Action  6:  To  improve  the 
interoperability of registers 

Registers  of  extra-Community  traders  have 
been developed. 

Number  of  Member  States  producing  a 
register for the extra-Community trade. 

The quality of registers has been improved.  Quality  indicators  of  trade  registers  and 
their links (register coverage, proportion of 
the 
the 
trade  declarants 
General Register, etc.). 

identified 

in 

The  interoperability  of  registers  has  been 
improved. 

Existence of links between intra- and extra- 
trade  registers  and  the  General  Business 
Register. 

A  new  Extrastat 
legislation  has  been 
adopted  which  has  the  main  following 
characteristics : 

Availability of the new legislation. 

the  legislation  is  easier  to  understand  and 
more transparent; 

Availability 
measures. 

of  metadata 

on  Tariff 

it  takes  into  account  the  requirements  of 
users (aggregates, Tariff data,…); 

Improvement  of  the  quality  and  timeliness 
of Extrastat statistics. 

Action  7:  To  adapt 
Extrastat  system 
information 
customs developments 

needs 

the 
to  new 
and 

Action  8:  To  adapt 
Intrastat 
to 
development 
environment 

system 

of 

it  takes  into  account  the  recommendations 
at  international  level  and  developments  in 
customs rules. 

2.  Metadata  on  Tariff  measures  have  been 
made  accessible  to  users  of  community 
statistics. 

the  customs 
3.  Co-operation  between 
administrations 
authorities 
and 
responsible for statistics has been improved  

the 

the 
the 
its 

Intrastat 

A  new 
legislation  has  been 
adopted  which  has  the  main  following 
characteristics : 

Availability of the new legislation. 

the  legislation  is  more  understandable  and 
more transparent; 

it  takes  into  account  the  requirements  of 
users; 

quality aspects have been reinforced; 

possibilities for further simplification of the 
system have been examined. 

25 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Objective 4:  A  network  improving  the  statistical  service  offered  to  administrations, 
users and data providers 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

Action  9:  To  disseminate 
relevant statistics as quickly 
as possible to all users. 

Periodical  studies  of  the  information  needs 
to 
improve  dissemination  have  been 
undertaken. 

Dissemination of macro-economic statistics 
has  been  improved  in  particular,  through  a 
macro-economic  database.  Selected  data 
have been made available on the www.  

Access 
improved. 

to  detailed  statistics  has  been 

Satisfaction of users. 

in  disseminating  macro-economic 

Delay 
data.  

Delay in disseminating detailed data. 

Action  10:  To  provide 
trade  operators 
external 
for 
with  methods/tools 
classifying  goods 
the 
in 
Combined Nomenclature.  

Tools,  which  facilitate  the  classification  of 
goods in the Combined nomenclature, have 
been made available. 

The  Combined  nomenclature  has  been 
modernised. 

Availability of the tools. 

Availability  of  a  revised  version  of  the 
Combined nomenclature. 

Nomenclatures 
on 
and 
nomenclatures  are  easily  managed  and 
accessible by all users. 

metadata 

Satisfaction of users. 

Action 11: To provide users 
with  tools  necessary  for  the 
and 
integration 
dissemination 
of 
nomenclatures, 
classifications  and  other 
related products. 

26 

 
 
  
 
 
Objective 5:  A  network  based  on  information-gathering  tools  taking  into  account  the 
latest technological developments in order to improve the function offered to data providers 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

Action  12:  To  develop  and 
appropriate 
implement 
electronic  data 
collection 
tools in the Member States 

On-line  and  off-line  data  collection 
systems  have  been  made  available  in  the 
Member States. 

the 
Share  of  electronic  declarations 
in 
different  Member  States  expressed 
in 
number of PSIs declarations and trade value. 

PSIs  have  better  and  enhanced  access  to 
collection 
related 
information. 

and  other 

tools 

Standardised  Messages 
been 
improved  and  adapted  and  implemented 
by the Member States. 

have 

Number  of  Member  States  who  adapted  the 
standardised messages. 

Objective 6 (horizontal): 

Integrated and interoperable network 

Expected results 

Performance indicators 

Action 13: To modernise and 
improve  the  trans-European 
network  for  the  collection, 
production and dissemination 
of trade statistics 

Enhanced  controls  and  appropriate  tools 
have been developed and implemented in 
the Member States. 

Data  access  and  transmission  of  data 
between  Member  States  and  Eurostat 
have been improved. 

Electronic  dissemination  tools  have  been 
developed and implemented in Eurostat. 

Number 
implemented 
procedures. 

of  Member 

States 

common 

having 
validation 

Timeliness of detailed data availability. 

of 

users 

accessing 

Users satisfaction; Volume of data accessed; 
Number 
online 
information;  Availability  of  appropriate 
metadata;  Number 
and 
participants  for  the  use  of  data  access 
systems. 

courses 

of 

An  information  system  on  methodology 
(METODOLOGICA) 
been 
developed. 

has 

Availability of a database on methodology. 

27 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX 2 

Use of Edicom resources in 2001 and 2002 

2001 

Objective 1 
(actions 1 + 2) 

Objective 2 
(actions 3 + 4 + 5) 

Objective 3 
(actions 6 + 7 + 8) 

Objective 4 
(actions 9 + 10 + 11) 

Objective 5 
(action 12) 

Horizontal Action 
(action 13) 

Total objectives 1-5 + 
Horizontal Action 
(heading B5 7211 B) 

Support Measures 
(heading B5 7211 A) 
Total  

Type 

Decision Amount  

Commitment 

Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 

3 239 680 
1 556 200 
1 683 480 
1 154 250 
481 250 
673 000 
849 000 
531 000 
318 000 
1 038 280 
1 038 280 
0 
1 784 000 
629 000 
1 155 000 
1 220 000 
1 220 000 
0 
9 285 210 

Centralised 

5 455 730 

Decentralised 

3 829 480 

630 000 

2 825 301 
1 208 107 
1 617 194 
1 119 657 
446 657 
673 000 
707 670 
389 670 
318 000 
1 226 139 
1 226 139 
0 
1 850 843 
703 518 
1 147 325 
1 222 214 
1 222 214 
0 
8 951 824 

5 196 305 
58%) 
3 755 519 
42%) 
100 0004 

Commitment/Decision 
amount(1)  
87% 

97% 

83% 

118% 

104% 

100% 

96% 

16% 

9 915 210 

9 051 824 

91% (2) 

(1) 

(2) 

Since the amounts per objective indicated in the decisions are estimates for guidance only, they may differ from 
the amounts finally committed. 

The  amount committed  in  the Community  budget  in  2001  was  EUR  10 million.  The  commitments/Community 
budget ratio is thus 90.5%. 

4 

Part of the amount provided for in the decision was committed in 2002. 

28 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
2002 

Objective 1 
(actions 1 + 2) 

Objective 2 
(actions 3 + 4 + 5) 

Objective 3 
(actions 6 + 7 + 8) 

Objective 4 
(actions 9 + 10 + 11) 

Objective 5 
(action 12) 

Horizontal Action 
(action 13) 

Total objectives 1-5 + 
Horizontal Action 
(heading B5 7211 B) 

Support Measures 
(heading B5 7211 A) 

Type 

Decision Amount  

Commitment 

Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 
Total 
Centralised 
Decentralised 

1 766 531 
752 000 
1 014 531 
1 154 038 
450 000 
704 038 
787 000 
410 000 
377 000 
1 309 106  
1 090 000 
219 106 
2 074 101 
629 000 
1 445 101 
1 365 000 
1 365 000 
0 
8 455 776 

Centralised 

4 696 000 

Decentralised 

3 759 776 

630 000 

1 846 920 
841 860 
1 005 060 
1 176 006 
475 150 
700 856 
719 954 
342 955 
376 999 
 952 251 
 733 145 
219 106 
2 049 353 
614 295 
1 147 325 
1 289 071 
1 289 071 
0 
8 033 555 

4 296 476 
53%) 
3 737 079 
47%) 
624 900 

Commitment/Decision 
amount(1)  
104% 

101% 

91% 

72% 

99% 

94% 

95% 

99% 

Total  

(1) 

(2) 

9 085 776 

8 658 185 

95% (2) 

Since the amounts per objective indicated in the decisions are estimates for guidance only, they may differ from 
the amounts finally committed. 

The  amount committed  in  the Community  budget  in  2001  was  EUR  10 million.  The  commitments/Community 
budget ratio is thus 86.6%. 

29