Recently used Barclays card and activated it by using Chip and signature at Schipool. Then within 10 minutes, used it as Chip and PIN at storage locker (this was on a Saturday) and it worked fine. In every place where a person was involved (cashier, waiter, ticket agent) I had to sign. This was true in Amsterdam, Prague, and Dresden. It only asked for the PIN when I was at automated kiosks - train station and such. Only time I had a minor issue was when a waiter tried to swipe the mag strip since he assumed American card. It rejected and he immediately used the Chip and it worked fine and I signed.

But last year in Barcelona, before I had Barclays and just Citi HHonors card, a lot of places asked for a PIN even when dealing with cashiers. I just asked them for signature option and it worked out.