The 3,300 young European adults, aged between 16 and 34, saw themselves almost unanimously as responsible, hardworking, intelligent and optimistic. Less predictably the majority of young adults are in favour of a unlied Europe. The strongest to support the Union were the Italians - almost unanimously in favour with 90 per cent saying they approved of it. But when it comes to attitudes to social and sexual issues, some stark national references remain. The harsh realities of the 1990s have taken their toll.
Spanish youth seem to be the gloomiest in Europe.
They have the highest scores of all when it comes to being concerned about drugs, crime, rape and alcohol abuse. In fretting about sexual harassment, they share second billing with the British. Italian young people come top here, perhaps as a reaction to all that bottom pinching by their fathers and grandfathers. Young Spaniards looking for a happier life should head north into France, where 'The young - though suffering from some angst seem to lead more carefree lives. They are the least concerned in Europe about sexual harassment, alcohol abuse, rape, crime and drugs.