Structural business statistics. Recast

PURPOSE: to establish a common framework on structural business statistics.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EC) No 295/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning structural business statistics.

CONTENT: this revised Regulation on structural business statistics is adopted with a view to extending the framework for the collection, compilation, transmission and evaluation of Community statistics on the structure, activity, competitiveness and performance of businesses in the Community.

The Regulation responds to the increased need for statistical data to underpin policy making and monitoring, and will improve the current regulation by increasing coverage of service activities, by adding annexes on business demography and business services and by introducing a new tool to respond to emerging user needs.

The regulation repeals Regulation No 58/97 and Article 20 of Regulation No 1893/2006.

The Regulation establishes a common framework for the collection, compilation, transmission and evaluation of Community statistics on the structure, activity, competitiveness and performance of businesses in the Community.

The purpose of the compilation of statistics will be, in particular, to analyse:

a)      the structure and evolution of the activities of businesses;

b)      the factors of production used and other elements allowing business activity, competitiveness and performance to be measured;

c)      the regional, national, Community and international development of businesses and markets;

d)     business conduct;

e)      small and medium-sized enterprises; and

f)       specific characteristics of enterprises related to particular breakdown of activities.

Report: the Commission will, by 29 April 2011 and every three years thereafter, submit a report on the statistics compiled and in particular on their quality and the burden on business.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 29/04/2008