ECLAC a recognized research entity of Eurostat

Last year, ECLAC created a task force with representatives of the Division of Programme, Planning and Operations (DDPO), the Legal Office, the Hernán Santa Cruz Library and STIC in order to analyze the conditions of having continuous access to Eurostat microdata sets. After a long process, in September 2018, ECLAC headquarters in Santiago received research entity status from Eurostat which required ECLAC to ensure access to microdata under a specific set of rules and regulations all related to data confidentiality.

On 11 July 2019, the Hernán Santa Cruz Library presented a "User Guide for Accessing and Using Eurostat Microdata” to research staff in CEPAL, Santiago. The guide breaks down strict compliance standards required by Eurostat in relation to the management and confidentiality of data. It can be found at https://biblioguias.cepal.org/eurostat. It includes a useful flowchart on the complete process of requesting, accessing and using microdata and also outlines the internal procedures required of staff at ECLAC. The access is restricted to staff in Santiago. Staff researchers from sub-regional headquarters and national offices could benefit from Eurostat data by being named on the research proposals prepared by any Substantive Division in Santiago and accessing microdata that have already been anonymized.

The Hernán Santa Cruz Library, has adopted the role of "Data Manager" for Eurostat, and support area in the formulation of ‘Research Proposals’ that the ECLAC divisions would like to carry out. The Library is available to answer any questions or concerns regarding access to Eurostat microdata sets. Contact us: biblioteca@cepal.org | ext.2337 - 2338.