EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
REGIONAL AND URBAN POLICY
Deputy Director-General for Programme Implementation
Brussels
regio.d.2(2025)11102252 /CM
Ulla Saar
Deputy Secretary General for
Labour and Equality Policies
Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Communication
Suur-Ameerika 1
10122 Tallinn
Estonia
Subject: Request for support in the Cross-Border Data Collection Project
Dear Ms Saar,
The European Commission is strongly committed to improving the evidence base for
policies that strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion across the Union. Reliable
data on cross-border workers is essential to understand the functioning of our labour
markets and to design effective national and EU policies in this field.
To address this need, the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, in
cooperation with Eurostat, has launched a dedicated study on cross-border data collection.
The project, implemented by ÖIR GmbH together with Statistics Netherlands, INSEE and
Statistics Denmark, aims to establish a sustainable and standardised methodology for
collecting and analysing data on cross-border workers. Achieving this objective requires
the active participation of all National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) or authorities in charge
of collecting/processing the data concerned.
We understand that Statistics Estonia has already been contacted but has not yet been able
to cooperate in the project. We would like to encourage your kind support in facilitating
its involvement. At present, 20 out of the 26 countries covered by the study have already
submitted data or are actively preparing their contribution. Moreover, representatives from
22 EU countries participated in the workshop organised in Brussels on 11–12 September
2025, confirming both the interest in and feasibility of data provision.
Allow us to emphasise a few key points regarding this initiative. First, its relevance for the
entire EU: cross-border commuter data is vital for shaping economic and labour market
policies at national and EU level. A coordinated effort from all Member States will ensure
the development of a robust methodology, serving the long-term goal of continuous
production of official EU statistics in this area.
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË – Tel. +32 22991111
Regarding the current status of the project, the majority of countries are already
contributing, demonstrating that the task is feasible and of shared interest. Your support at
a higher level can make the difference in enabling Statistics Estonia to join this collective
effort.
Finally, the data collection activity should be completed by the end of this year in order to
allow sufficient time for analysis. However, the exact timing of activities can be discussed
on bilateral basis to allow all NSI to take part in the project. To ease the process, the project
team provides a ready-to-use data template, methodological guidance based on previous
experience, and direct support to NSIs throughout the data production process.
Importantly, financial compensation is available to cover the additional effort required.
We would greatly value your assistance in ensuring the active participation of Statistics
Estonia in this important initiative. A coordinated and comprehensive contribution from
all Member States is essential to achieving results that are both meaningful and sustainable
serving the interest and benefit of all.
I thank you in advance for your support and remain at your disposal for any further
information.
Yours sincerely,
Hugo SOBRAL
Contacts:
MENASSEYRE, Clara,
[email protected]
FERREIRA, Ricardo,
[email protected]
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Electronically signed on 17/10/2025 10:33 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121