Eurostat statistics on mortality are based on the annual demographic data collection in the field of demography carried out by Eurostat. The completeness of information depends on the availability of data reported by the National Statistical Institutes.

The first demographic data collection of each year (T), named Rapid, is carried out in April-May (deadline 15 May of year T); during this data collection the first results on the main demographic developments in the previous year (T-1) and the population on 1 January of the current year (T) are collected from the National Statistical Institutes.

The Joint demographic data collection is carried out in cooperation with United Nation Statistical Division (UNSD) in the summer of each year, having the deadline 15 September. During this data collection Eurostat collects from the National Statistical Institutes detailed data by sex, age and other characteristics for the demographic events (births, deaths, marriages and divorces) of the previous year and the population on 1 January of the current and previous years.

The Nowcast demographic data collection is carried out in October-November (deadline 15 November of year T). The monthly time series on births, deaths, immigrants and emigrants available from the beginning of current year (T) are collected, with the purpose of producing a forecast on 1 January population of the following year (T+1).

More specifically, during year T the following data are collected and disseminated on mortality field:

- Total number of deaths in year (T-1)

- Infant mortality by age and sex (T-1)

- Late foetal deaths by mother's age (T-1)

- Deaths by age, year of birth and sex (T-1)

- Deaths by month, year (T) and (T-1)

The most recent (aggregated) data on the number of deaths includes also the most recent Eurostat now casts on the main demographic indicators (population, births, deaths and net migration including statistical adjustment). In principle, the table containing the main demographic indicators is updated three times per year, after each of the national data collections.

Detailed information on mortality (by age, sex, etc.) are updated towards the end of each year based on information collected during the Joint data collection.

Moreover, any update sent by the countries in-between data collections are validated, processed and uploaded into Eurostat's demographic database and in Eurostat's free dissemination online database as soon as possible. The geographical aggregates are recalculated accordingly.

The data transmitted by the National Statistical Institutes are validated by Eurostat, processed and uploaded into Eurostat's Demographic Database and in Eurostat's free dissemination online database. The data are also disseminated in several thematic and horizontal Eurostat's publications.