Intra and extra-Community trading of goods: trans-European network for the collection of statistics, Edicom II

PURPOSE : to create a set of actions relating to the trans-European network for the collection, production and dissemination of statistics on the trading of goods within the Community and between the Community and non-member countries (Edicom). CONTENT : the introduction of the internal market in 1993 completely changed the statistical system for monitoring trade in goods between Member States, by abolishing customs declarations and replacing them with a system based on collecting statistical information directly from businesses (Intrastat). In order to support the significant change, the Council adopted a Decision (Edicom) aiming to implement an interoperable system at European level for the collection, production and dissemination of these statistics. However, the Council Decision has now expired. Hence, the increased need for a new modernised system. The new phase of the programme has two main objectives: 1) to promote a modern, rational and efficient organisation of the trans-European network mentioned above, and improve and harmonise statistical methods in order to produce information which: - is more reliable, less expensive for businesses and administrations, and which is available more quickly; - responds more appropriately to the new needs of users. In this context, the focus will be on the needs of Economic and Monetary Union and on improving the integration of statistics on the trading of goods into the statistical system at national, European and international level. 2) to develop existing computer tools for the collection, processing, transmission and dissemination of statistical information, taking into account the latest technological advances and seeking to optimise cost-effectiveness. The explosion in electronic data exchange is completely changing relations between economic players, and statistical administrations at national and Community level must adapt to this new technological environment. These overall objectives, as well as the types of action required to achieve them, were identified and confirmed during preparatory and arbitration work directly involving the relevant national administrations. The ex-ante evaluation is the outcome of that work which sought to closely involve the partners in the network. The programme thus targets: - private and institutional users of statistics, who should have information that is of better quality, harmonised and in line with their expectations; - statistical information providers and administrations responsible for collecting such information, who will benefit from the facilities provided by simplifying tasks and modernising the network. The purpose of the programme requires financing from the Community budget. In fact, in addition to efforts to seeking the best cost-effectiveness ratio of the programme, the modernisation of the network and the adaptation of statistical methods will be boosted by a common, consistent and - if possible - harmonised approach. The improvement instatistical results will be uniform across the European Union. Every economic operator and statistical service will be able to benefit from suitable tools that make it possible to simplify the completion and processing of declarations and to access reference information. In conclusion, the final appropriation for implementation of the Community project for the period 2000-2004 is fixed at EUR 51,2 million. �