National accounts data: revision of the transmission programme

PURPOSE: to create common statistical standards to enable the production of harmonised national accounts data.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EC) N° 1392/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) N° 2223/96 with respect to the transmission of national accounts data.

CONTENT: the new Regulation – adopted in first reading by the Council, after negotiations with the European Parliament – updates the programme for the transmission of national accounts data by taking into account the fundamental policy and statistical changes that have taken place in certain Member States during the reference periods of the programme.

In addition, it takes into account changes in users’ requirements, as well as new political priorities and the development of new economic activities within the European Union.

In accordance with the European Parliament’s wishes, the Regulation stresses that a solid statistical basis for the composition of public budgets is of capital importance to undertake the economic reforms in line with the Lisbon strategy, and the transmission of data concerning health, education and social protection would be useful in its realisation.  The communication of these data will therefore become compulsory following a transition phase on a voluntary basis.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 30/12/2007.