Implementation of the European statistical programme

1.   The European statistical programme shall be implemented by individual statistical actions which shall be decided:
(a)
by the European Parliament and the Council;
(b)
by the Commission, in specific and duly justified cases, in particular to meet unexpected needs, in accordance with the provisions in paragraph 2; or
(c)
by means of agreement between the NSIs or other national authorities and the Commission (Eurostat), within their respective spheres of competence. Such agreements shall be in writing.
2.   The Commission may decide on a temporary direct statistical action in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 27(2) provided that:
(a)
the action does not provide for data collection covering more than three reference years;
(b)
the data are already available or accessible within the NSIs and other national authorities responsible, or can be obtained directly, using the appropriate samples for the observation of the statistical population at European level with the adequate coordination with the NSIs and other national authorities; and
(c)
the Community shall, in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 make financial contributions to the NSIs and other national authorities to cover the incremental costs incurred by them.
3.   In putting forward an action to be decided under paragraph 1(a) or (b), the Commission shall provide information on:
(a)
the reasons justifying the action, notably in the light of the aims of the Community policy concerned;
(b)
the objectives for the action and the expected results;
(c)
a cost-effectiveness analysis, including an assessment of the burden on respondents and of the production costs; and
(d)
the ways in which the action is to be carried out, including its duration and the role of the Commission and the Member States.