Having traveled many European airports, I do not notice any more courtesy or politeness with their security personnel. In a way, I don't care...I just want them to be polite and effective.

That said, I do say "hello" and "thank you" in their native langauge and accent. Some don't care, some appreciate that. I'm indifferent, it just seems to be a natural courtesy.

The thing I notice more about European airport security is how it is less invasive, yet seems to be more effective than the joke that we have with the TSA.