The Education First English Proficiency Index for 2024 has revealed interesting trends in Europe when it comes to English language skills. Countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden continue to excel in English proficiency, with high scores that make them among the top countries globally. Other European countries like Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, and Austria also ranked well in terms of English skills. However, countries like France, Italy, and Spain have seen a decline in their English proficiency over the years, with France in particular falling to the lowest ranking among Northern European countries. Other countries in Europe, such as Moldova, Albania, Russia, Ukraine, and Armenia, also fall in the ‘moderate proficiency’ category, indicating a need for improvement in English language skills.
Despite Europe’s dominance in the top rankings of English proficiency, there has been a general decline in English skills across the continent in 2024. This decline is particularly evident in countries like France, which has dropped significantly in its English proficiency ranking over the past few years. Spain and Italy also rank lower than many other European countries in terms of English skills. However, capital cities like Madrid and Paris still maintain a ‘high proficiency’ in English, even though the overall country rankings have slipped. The Education First English Proficiency Index has been monitoring these trends since 2011, providing valuable insights into the state of English language skills in Europe and around the world.
One interesting trend highlighted in the index is the persistent gender gap in English proficiency. While women’s English skills have remained stable, men’s proficiency has declined in many countries, leading to a narrowing of the gender gap. However, in 40 countries, men still have significantly higher English proficiency than women. Africa stands out as the only continent where women consistently have better English skills than men, and women’s proficiency has shown the most improvement globally. The index also notes that the gender gap is widest among the youngest cohort and tends to narrow over time, highlighting the importance of focusing on English language education for both men and women.
For individuals considering moving to Europe or traveling to different countries in the region, understanding the English proficiency levels can be crucial. Living in countries like the Netherlands, Norway, or Sweden, where English skills are high, may offer a smoother transition for those who are not yet fluent in the local language. On the other hand, countries with lower English proficiency levels, such as France or Italy, may require more effort in learning the native language to effectively communicate and integrate into society. Overall, the Education First English Proficiency Index provides valuable insights into the state of English language skills in Europe and offers guidance for individuals looking to navigate language barriers in different countries across the continent.
