I regard a statistician as someone who is confident of his skills, well trained in economic analysis, and closely integrated in an institutional network ruled by proven, time-honored principles. Moreover, a cooperative spirit is called for, paired with a sense of accountability and responsibility.
And these are the same construction principles to be followed when it comes to building stable bridges between the various statistical fora and systems. Seen against the background of the current debate on the future of the Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payments statistics (CMFB), let me express my hope that everyone in Europe fully appreciates the high value of good partnership.