The recommendation for second reading before us is about the Community statistical programme for the next five years, 2003 to 2007.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise the importance of this new Community Statistical Programme for 1998-2002.

To finish, I would like to express my hope that the Community statistical programme will serve the fundamental aims of the European Union well.

Community Statistical Programme (2008-2012) - Timely transmission and verification of statistical data provided by Member States (debate)

The arguments put forward by the rapporteur, Mrs Lulling, in favour of allocating a sufficient budget to support the Community Statistical Programme 1998-2002, are entirely convincing.

In addition to the Committee on Economic Affairs, a further 12 committees participated in the drafting of your opinion on the draft Community Statistical Programme submitted by the Commission.

The Community Statistical Programme constitutes the framework for the production of all statistics as well as the financial framework for the production of Community statistics during the programme period.

I regret that, due to time restrictions, we were unable to hold a debate on this key report by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on the Community statistical programme 2003 to 2007.

I would first of all like to thank Mr Becsey and Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs for the excellent report on the Community Statistical Programme for 2008-2012.