Principal European Economic Indicators - Products Statistical Books

A statistical guide

The economic and monetary union and the setting up of the European Central Bank (ECB) significantly reinforced the need for a broad range of monthly and quarterly statistics to measure economic and monetary developments in the euro area and to support a common monetary policy. Designing an effective monetary policy and judging the business cycle depends on timely, reliable and comprehensive economic statistics giving an overview of the economic situation.

Satisfying these information needs involves constant interaction between policymakers and statisticians: the policymakers identify their data needs, and the statisticians attempt to adapt the system to meet those needs. New policies drive improvements in statistical production, both in terms of improving existing indicators and creating new ones.

The economic indicators described in this publication are the current result of this iterative process and represent the main statistical basis for economic analysis and policy.