Better EU data on population and housing: Council greenlights new rules 10:55 The Council has adopted a regulation that will improve the overall quality of population and[...]

New rules adopted by the Council today will ensure that statistics collected on population and housing at EU level are complete, coherent and comparable.

The aim of the regulation adopted today is to improve the overall quality of population and housing statistics by introducing a harmonised definition of the term 'population', providing for easier access to data sources, and streamlining and improving statistical production in this regard.

The rules establish a common legal framework for the development of European statistics on population and housing in order to:

• ensure complete, coherent and comparable statistics provided in a timely manner
• improve quality of population data, acknowledging the challenges faced by member states
• be flexible enough to adapt to changing policy needs and to the use of new sources
• avoid unnecessary burden on national statistical authorities through gradual implementation of changes

Background

European statistics on population and housing are necessary for the design, implementation and evaluation of EU policies, including economic and social planning, cohesion policy, and the green and digital transitions. They are also essential for administrative purposes and determining qualified majority voting in the Council.

On 20 January 2023, the Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation to address the need for timelier, more frequent and more detailed European statistics on population and housing, particularly in view of the evolving demographic situation and recent migration trends, climate change and the digital transformation. Following negotiations, the Council reached an agreement with the European Parliament on 13 May 2025.

Next steps

The regulation now needs to be adopted by the European Parliament. It will then enter into force upon publication in the EU's Official Journal.

• Text of the regulation