Institutional challenges and prospects regarding the 2021 Population-Housing Census in Greece

Abstract

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) worked towards the introduction of a designated Law governing the 2021 General Censuses in Greece. It was the first time that the General Censuses were conducted by virtue of a legal act which underwent extensive deliberations and legal scrutiny. This kind of strengthening of the statistical legislation demonstrates the wide recognition of the professional independence ELSTAT has established and it provided a solid basis for the Hellenic Statistical System (ELSS) to be able to adequately respond to both current and future challenges. These straightforward institutional arrangements ensured ELSTAT’s ability to effectively conduct the Censuses in accordance with the International Recommendations and Standards, while, at the same time, strengthened its capacity to an immediate response to arising needs and challenges. It was then no mystery how ELSTAT was able to immediately adapt to the developing operational conditions by creating a plan for a hybrid census system for all households. At the same time the legal instruments used laid the foundations for the establishment and maintenance of Statistical Registers for Population and Buildings, introducing two unique identifiers (“keys”) in the Census variables and creating the institutional infrastructure for linkage to other administrative registers.