European Stability Initiative analyst Adnan Ćerimagić has reflected on the compliance of BiH statistics with EU standards and the potential benefits from the harmonization of BiH statistics with EU statistics’ standards on BiH public policies. He starts off by saying that any consideration on the importance of timely, reliable and comprehensive statistics for the development of a society must begin with questions about intentions and expectations which that society has from public policies, and providing a vivid comparison of preparation of a dinner with preparation of public policies. Upon request by EUROSTAT, BiH Statistics Agency’ employees conducted self-assessment on the compliance of the Agency with EU standards. The results showed that, after Kosovo, BIH is the least aligned with EU standards in terms variety of data, data collection method and speed of data collection. Harmonization with EU standards would help BiH in achieving two important goals – (1) ensuring data comparability with the region and EU; and (2) data availability in variety and speed. Finally, Ćerimagić highlights that harmonization with EU standards may be catalyzed in two ways – (1) in the context of EU integration, EU pressures BiH to harmonized BiH statistics with EU standards; or (2) Those that have an interests in better results stemming from pubic policies, as well as data quality hence academia and research community. More information is available here.
Source: Policy Hub