If Barcelona's commitment to Europe were to be measured by the state of its tribute to the founding fathers of the European Union, one might think that Euroscepticism reigns in the Catalan capital. This would be corroborated, at the very least, by the decay of the main monument in Plaza Europa, in the Olympic Ring of Montjuïc. A semicircular waterfall crowned by a 110-meter frieze that pays tribute to 25 pro-European politicians and intellectuals has long been accumulating signs of neglect and abandonment.

"The solution? That all outdoor seating be closed at ten o'clock at night and then we'll sleep for sure". This is Isabel and Marta's verdict, sitting on a bench in the Jardins de la Mediterrània, large square in Marina neighbourhood of Barcelona, but which does not close at night and is home to bars, most with outdoor seating and one which opens till late. "There is always activity here... and, of course, noise", these neighbours sum up. In total, nine outdoor seating areas with about thirty tables. Arguments and fights often break out, and chairs are thrown. Sporadically objects are also thrown from windows towards the customers, some restaurateurs report.