Is Statistics Netherlands (CBS) an independent organisation? And what does that mean in practice?
The professional independence of Statistics Netherlands is essential in order to ensure trust in public statistics. The principle is that Statistics Netherlands itself determines which data it publishes, as well as when and how it does this. The availability of objective, high-quality statistical information that can be accessed in a user-friendly way is essential for a properly functioning democracy. For official statistics to play their role effectively, citizens and businesses must have full confidence in them. The statistics that we publish must always be authoritative and beyond dispute.
