An analysis of surveys on attitudes towards biotechnology taken in Europe in recent years (the so-called "Eurobarometers") reveals that Europeans are highly reticent toward these new technologies, particularly when they are applied to the food industry (GMOs). However, attitudes within the various European Union member states vary greatly: one country that was more or less in favor several years ago is now extremely hostile, whereas in another, opposition seems to have stabilized. What are the national or cultural dynamics that have been responsible for these changes?