Science and technology: production and development of Community statistics

The amended proposal from the Commission accepts the amendment, which stresses the importance of taking account of the regional dimension, in accordance with the NUTS classification, if possible. The Commission also accepts an amendment, which underlines the importance of cooperation with the OCDE and other international organisations. The Commission accepts the amendment, which calls for more frequent reports. The Commission cannot, however, accept the amendment that calls for closer cooperation and increased consultation with the Helsinki group, for legal reasons. The Commission nevertheless acknowledges and stresses the importance of the statistical work of that group and undertakes to continue its fruitful cooperation with it. The Commission will also reaffirm this commitment by having a Commission declaration included in the Council minutes when the Decision is adopted.�