The Dutch are less prejudiced against immigrants than other EU citizens.

A German survey by Bielefeld Institute held among 8000 EU citizens in 8 of the 27 EU countries reveals that almost 50 percent of them believe there are too many immigrants in their countries. Forty-three percent reject equal rights for gays and lesbians.

Prejudice was strongest in East European countries. People in the Netherlands were the least prejudiced.

Most prejudice was demonstrated against Islam. More than half the people interviewed thought Islam is an intolerant religion. And 22 percent thought most Muslims feel terrorism is justified.

Attitudes to Judaism are more positive with 62 percent of people saying the religion enriched their culture.

There are huge differences between various EU countries. For instance 88 percent of Poles oppose single sex marriages, whereas in the Netherlands 83 percent were positive about gay marriage.

Similarly 87 percent of Poles think women should take their role as mothers more seriously. In Germany 50 percent of people share these conservative views and in the Netherlands 36 percent do.

Photo: Gay pride in Amsterdam 2009 - ANP