Navigating life in a new country can be daunting, especially when you don’t yet speak the local language fluently. For many expats, English serves as a universal safety net, but not all destinations in Europe are equally English-friendly.
According to the 2024 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by Education First (EF), which analysed the skills of 2.1 million non-native English speakers worldwide, Europe dominates the rankings for English language ability. Yet, the results reveal a troubling decline in English proficiency across the continent, with some surprising shifts among popular destinations.
For the second consecutive year, the Netherlands claims the top spot globally, scoring an impressive 636 points. Dutch residents consistently excel in English as a second language, making the Netherlands the easiest place for English speakers to get by.
Other countries with “very high proficiency” include:
Norway (2nd globally, 610 points)
Sweden (4th globally, 608 points)
Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, and Austria
These nations make life significantly easier for English-speaking travellers and expats.
Countries with “high proficiency,” such as Germany, Belgium, Romania, Finland, and Poland, are also reliable for English communication.
Some of Europe’s most-visited countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, lag behind in their English proficiency.
France, which once ranked in the “high proficiency” category in 2021, has slipped further this year, scoring just 524 points and ranking 49th globally. It now holds the lowest rank among Northern European nations.
Italy fares only slightly better, ranking 46th globally with 528 points.
Spain sits at 36th place globally with 538 points, beaten by less obvious contenders like Georgia and Belarus.
For tourists and expats in these countries, larger cities like Paris and Madrid offer a reprieve, as their proficiency levels rank higher than national averages.
In regions with “low proficiency,” communicating in English can be more challenging:
These countries require more reliance on local language skills or translation tools for effective communication.
While Europe leads the global rankings, EF’s data highlights a slump in English skills across the continent. Sixty per cent of European countries scored lower this year compared to last, reflecting a continent-wide struggle to maintain its linguistic edge.
However, there is some good news. The previously declining English proficiency among the 18-20 age group has stabilised this year, offering hope for future improvements.
The EPI also sheds light on a persistent gender gap in English proficiency:
Men continue to outperform women in 40 countries, although the gap has narrowed slightly this year.
In contrast, Africa remains the only continent where women consistently score higher than men in English.
Interestingly, the gender gap is widest among the youngest age group and shrinks with time.
Whether you’re an expat seeking a smooth transition, a tourist planning your next holiday, or a businessperson weighing market opportunities, English proficiency can play a pivotal role in your experience. The Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden lead the way, proving that a strong command of English enhances accessibility and connection in an increasingly globalised world.
For countries like France and Italy, declining proficiency signals a potential challenge for international engagement. But as trends evolve, there’s hope that more nations will invest in bridging the gap.
