I apologize for the generalizations. I was posting on the fly an intending to do a bit of macro-level analysis which obviously didn't come through. Of course there is a great deal of variation across European natons, and for that matter within European nations, in terms of sexual behavior, attitudes and media. I don't mean to minimize that at all.

That said, there is little debate that low birth rates are a concern across the EU. Consider this BBC story from 2006 and the accompanying page of policy approaches to addressing the issue.

If you enjoy mucking around in data, try the Eurostat site and click on this page to find the list of fertility variables . You can make tables comparing different variables, different places and different times. It's a great tool! I had fun playing with it a bit tonight but had trouble with the downloads so I'm not posting any tables here. You can get an idea from the BBC story above and also by playing with the data yourself. 

While initially I was trying to simply point out the difference between policy oriented toward increasing birth rates and policy oriented toward preventing STIs (something Lorna refers to below, as well), it is also interesting to consider the different feelings people might have about low birthrates (and by low I simply mean below the "replacement rate" of 2.1 children per woman). Discussion that issue raises related issues about gender equality, work and family policy, social welfare policy and immigration policy, all things we're concerned with here.

As for traveling through Europe, yes, I certainly would love to do more. I have only spent time in the Netherlands and in Belgium and so obviously I have much to see and experience. But no, I am not one of those who sees all Europeans or all European nations as the same. I understand that while the EU continues to work at integrating economic and political structures that nations retain separate identities and cultures and that within nations there is much variation as well.

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth