09/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a report adopted on 3 February, the European Commission said that it was satisfied overall with implementation of the EC 2003 regulation (450/2003) on the labour cost index (ICM) . It points out that all member states have continued to transfer resources to action for obtaining more comparative and updated information for this index. The index has allowed for data quality to be improved overall and its subsequent usefulness, the Commission noted. The latter also underlines the fact that the punctuality of the data transmission has improved and that the number of member states experiencing accuracy problems has diminished. Nine member states still have shortcomings at different ICM levels. The Commission (Eurostat) is therefore calling on these member states to step up their efforts. If progress is not sufficient, the relevant national authorities will be contacted by the Commission and take the necessary measures for ensuring compliance with the regulation. (O.L./trans/rh)