Note: Percentage of people who had such interaction in the last 7 days

1. EU27 country data Note: Percentage of total sample Note: Percentage of total sample Note: Percentage of people who had such interaction in the last 7 days Italy “Intercultural dialogue” – first reactions Q1. When you hear the expression “Intercultural dialogue in Europe”, what FIRST comes to your mind? Just under one-third of Italians (32%, the second-highest EU percentage) chose inter-community communication as the key message that the phrase intercultural dialogue brought to mind. Another 17% opted for trans-national mobility, while slightly less (15%) leaned towards understanding different cultures. Education and the exchange of ideas came to mind for 8% of respondents – the highest EU figure. Note: Percentage of people who had mentioned something Interaction Q2. Thinking back to the LAST 7 DAYS, did you have any interaction – either personally or virtually – with the following group of people I will read to you? Rates of contact (59% overall) were in line with EU averages. The exception was contact with citizens of a different religion (only 35%). Overall, most encounters were reported by the 25-39 year-olds and those with more education. Nature of such interaction [If ANY interaction at Q2.] Q3. When / where do you have these contacts? The figure that stood out from the crowd in Italy was that regarding virtual meetings (9%), as it was the lowest in the EU. Only one in five of 15-24 year-olds reported such intercultural contact.

2. country data country data EU27 EU27 Italy Diversity’s impact on cultural life Q4. Would you say that [COUNTRY]’s cultural life is enriched by people with different cultural background than the majority? Overall, the Italians were in line with EU thinking when it came to saying if their lives were being enriched by intercultural contact. Positive views were mainly held by younger people and those still in the educational system. Attitudes to cultural diversity Q5. I will now read out opinions that are sometimes heard. Please tell me if you agree very much, agree, disagree, or very much disagree with them. Italians were close to the average EU citizen in saying that young people did benefit (very much) from intercultural dialogue (37% vs. 34% EU average). This view was mainly from the younger people, the more educated and those still in the educational system. As for the young keeping family traditions (48% were strongly in favour), Italian views were firmer than those held in the EU as a whole. These views were even more numerous amongst the over 40s and the less educated. 2008 will be the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. During this year there will be several events where people who have different cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds can learn about each other and/or can meet each other. Q6. Would you say that you would be interested in such events? Interest in the intercultural events of 2008 Italians were very much in line with the average EU citizen when it came to showing interest in events linked to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.