An assessment of 30 years of joint endeavour in the Conference of European Statisticians

Abstract

Thirty years of international statistical co-operation within the Conference of European Statisticians gave rise to three impressions. Firstly, the discussion of statistical standards and joint consideration of substantive issues have encouraged the spread of statistical know-how. Secondly, the joint elaboration of integration frameworks such as systems of national accounts and balances and the framework for social and demographic statistics have heavily influenced the corresponding national practices. Thirdly, the Conference has had an ‘indirect’ influence on national statistical development by promoting bilateral and multilateral comparisons. While the concrete results of the Conference's endeavours fall short of initial expectations, the Conference has proved to be an effective organ for international, particularly East-West, statistical co-operation.