Provide information on cross-border flows using administrative data: some reflections

On 15-16 May 2025 the Joint Research Centre (JRC) organised a workshop in Ispra, Italy, on measuring flows across EU’ internal borders.  The aim of the workshop was to facilitate a structured discussion between academics and practitioners working with data on cross-border flows, to stimulate ideas on how and where to get reliable data on cross-border flows. This post reflects on the outcomes of this meeting that are relevant to our project, the “Study on Cross-Border Data Collection” commissioned by DG REGIO, in which we aim to collect data on cross-border workers.

In their report on the results of the workshop, the JRC explicitly mentioned that one of the takeaways is the urgent need for EU-wide data on cross-border commuters. This confirms that the work we are doing in our project is in line with current needs of research and policymaking alike. It is, of course, encouraging to see the importance of our work recognised – but it also shows that expectations are high. 

The workshop brought together participants who were, almost all, users of data that would like to utilise good quality data on cross-border workers for their own research and analysis. Cross-border commuters data is relevant for both direct and indirect (e.g. as a source of calibration for modelling approaches) uses in these circumstances.

We strongly believe that administrative data can be a valuable source to provide data on cross-border flows. For many reasons, governments need to know whether a person or enterprise active in their country is resident or non-resident. Being active in a country often involves financial obligations or eligibility for social benefits – both of which depend on an individual’s or enterprise’s country of residence. As a result, administrative records usually include information about residence, which can be used to derive insight on cross-border activities. Administrative data can provide information on a variety of cross-border flows – not just in relation to work, but also education, health care, business activities and potentially other areas as well. 

National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) or other governmental institutions that cooperate with NSIs have access to administrative data. This, in principle, should allow them to organise these sources and  produce relevant statistics. However, we are aware that producing this data requires additional effort, placing demands on already overworked personnel. For this reason, it is essential that the activities are carried out in cost-effective way. 

Drawing on the expertise of institutes that have already tackled these challenges can help streamline the process. For this reason, in the framework of the project, we started by providing methodological guidance. We are also ready to support NSIs individually, offering tailored assistance where needed. In addition, we believe that organising meetings for NSIs to share experiences and learn from each other is highly valuable.