Eurostat changes inflation index: gambling included from 2026
From 4 February, the new European Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose will come into force
The European statistical office Eurostat announced imminent methodological changes to the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HIPC/Hcip), the measure by which it estimates and compares consumer inflation in the countries of the European Union.
As of 4 February 2026, the index will be compiled with the new European Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (Ecoicop v2), aligned with the United Nations Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (Coicop Onu 2018). For statistical purposes, the year 2025 will become the base year for the index, conventionally set at 100.
Among the new features,gambling will be included in the Ipca under recreational services, in the division 'Recreation, sport and culture'. Until now they were not covered due to the lack of sufficient methodological harmonisation, which was overcome by the recommendations published in December 2024. Italy is fifth in Europe for the weight of the sector.
