TIME Magazine Polls Europe's Leaders Of Tomorrow

Survey Reveals Attitudes of Europe's 21 to 35-Year Olds

In a special issue on 'Generation Europe' (out today), TIME magazine reveals the results of an exclusive new survey into the attitudes of Europe's 21- to 35-year-olds - the first generation to grow up under a unified Europe. The survey, conducted by MORI,* covers politics, social affairs, business, science and technology, and highlights the opinions, hopes and fears of the European leaders of tomorrow across Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

Key findings:

• One out of three young Europeans identify themselves as Europeans, rather than as nationals of the country they live in. Italians are the most enthusiastic Europeans, while the British are the least ardent.
• Three out of five believe power should lie with their national governments rather than with the European Union. The same proportion believe the current balance (national government versus European Union) is about right.
• Young Europeans are more concerned about the environment and pollution than any other political or social issue. The British are an exception: they list healthcare and education as their biggest concern.
• Around half of young Europeans support continued research into genetic engineering.
• The Internet is not a major source of information for young Europeans, who rely instead on television and newspapers.
• Only a quarter oppose globalisation.
• Despite the sexual revolution, only one in ten say they expect to be unfaithful to their partners.

Commenting on the report, James Geary, Special Projects Editor, said: "Our cover story shows a distinctly 'European' identity emerging among the Continent's next generation of leaders, an identity based on shared European values that enhance but do not replace national and regional cultures. This cross-fertilization of cultures and customs bodes well for the success of an increasingly integrated Europe."

European Identity

The key findings confirm that the British are out of sync with the rest of Europe, being more cautious than their counterparts about giving up national identity. Whereas two in five Italians consider themselves to be more European than Italian, the British are uncomfortable with this, with 75% defining themselves as British first.

All four countries believe that by 2010, the balance of power will rest strongly with the EU, rather than with their national government. However, those surveyed are generally comfortable with the current balance of power. Young British respondents have the greatest concern over the possibility of ceding more power to Brussels.

On the matter of globalisation, while around three in ten positively support it, roughly half are undecided whether they support or oppose the trend. Only a quarter oppose globalisation.

Environmental issues top the agenda

The main concern for the majority of young Europeans is the environment, with 56% listing that subject (including global warming and pollution) as their greatest long-term worry. However, in contrast to their peers in Italy, France and Germany, young Britons list healthcare and education at the top of their concerns - 52% in Britain for education, compared with just 19% in France, 16% in Italy and 9% in Germany.

Immigration and race relations don't feature highly among worries in Britain, with only 14% of respondents saying they are concerned by it. In France and Italy, by contrast, nearly one-third listed immigration and race as top concerns.

A Genetic Future?

By two to one, young Europeans support rather than oppose further research into genetic engineering. Germans are the most cautious in their support. However, few respondents in any country believe parents should have unfettered freedom to manipulate the genetic make-up of their unborn children. Most young Europeans want restrictions, if not a complete ban.

Traditional media dominates

Television and newspapers are still the dominant information channels for 'what's going on in the world.' Surprisingly for this age group, the Internet scores low, with only around 3% on average saying they use the Web for 'acquiring information'. Radio scores lightly, and WAP barely registers at all.

Generation Differences

The most significant difference between the current 21-to-35 generation and that of their parents is seen to be technology. Change in the family unit is the next most significant change, with disposable income, mobility and attitudes toward sex, religion and the ageing population following behind.

And finally ... Fidelity!

The majority of those in a relationship believe they will remain faithful to their partner for life. There are more people in Britain and France with higher expectations of fidelity than Italy and Germany.

Stewart Lewis, Director of MORI commented: " This European indicator reflects the still-divided nature of Europe, in our younger generation, and some surprising opinions. These people are tomorrow's leaders and we, not to mention today's leaders, should take very seriously their concerns, issues, aspirations and hopes."

The TIME/MORI survey results, which form part of a 16-page special report examining many of the main issues facing young Europeans today, was commissioned by TIME Europe Co-editors (and husband and wife team) Donald and Ann Morrison. TIME Europe's new editors are also introducing a number of new editorial features in this issue. "Ann and I inherited a great magazine. As new Editors, we were able to take a fresh look at our changing audiences and, as a result, make some editorial changes we believe will maintain TIME's reputation as the most influential newsmagazine in Europe," said Donald Morrison. Said Ann: "He gets carried away sometimes, but in this case he's right."

Details of the TIME/MORI Generation Europe Survey can be found on the TIME Europe website at www.timeeurope.com/generatione where you can see a full summary of the results and also participate in the survey.

Technical details

* This report contains the findings of a survey conducted by MORI on behalf of TIME Fortune during February and March 2001.The survey was carried in four countries to ascertain the major influences in time for young people. The survey assessed attitudes to a number of social, political, technological and economic issues. Interviews were conducted by face-to-face omnibus between 18th February - 13 March among a representative sample of ABC1s (i.e. white-collar workers) aged 21-35 in four countries: GB (189 interviews) France (305 interviews) Germany (402 interviews) Italy (329 interviews).Due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Britain and the subsequent lack of mobility of the interviewers it was difficult to obtain full numbers - hence the depleted sample size. It is still sufficiently large for us to regard the results with confidence.