Implementation of Eurostat Quality Declarations at Statistics Denmark with cost-effective use of standards

As part of an EU-grant project Statistics Denmark is implementing a system to report SDMX reference metadata to Eurostat. The system is based on a generalized quality concept inventory, SIMS (Single Integrated Metadata Structure), developed by Eurostat. The system is part of a general documentation system where metadata on quality, concepts, variables and classifications are integrated. The development draws as much as possible on international standards like GSBPM, parts of GSIM, DDI, SDMX and others in order to ensure cost-effectiveness, and at the same time to benefit from and contribute to a common understanding and a "common language" internationally. The paper presents challenges related to a) overall vision and purpose b) how to fulfil external user needs c) integrating quality into business processes d) technical implementation. The paper contains a general discussion on how to ensure fulfilment of user needs with a costeffective use of standards for processes and information (at Member State and Eurostat level) in order to reach the goals set up for the European Statistical System.