A new European survey highlights which EU nations achieve the highest proficiency in English as a second language, reflecting wider trends in education quality, exposure to international media, and cultural attitudes toward multilingualism. According to the report, the Netherlands continues to lead Europe in English fluency, maintaining its reputation for strong language education and early exposure to English through media and daily life. Scandinavian countries follow closely, with Denmark, Sweden, and Finland consistently ranking among the top performers. Their success is linked to robust school curricula, high teacher training standards, and extensive use of English in entertainment and technology.
Central and Eastern European nations show steady improvement, while Southern European countries, including Greece, Spain, and Italy, remain mid-ranking despite noticeable progress in younger generations. The findings emphasise that English proficiency strongly correlates with economic openness, digital literacy, and access to quality education. Experts note that countries investing in teacher development and integrating authentic English input across subjects tend to outperform those relying solely on traditional grammar-focused instruction. As English continues to function as Europe’s lingua franca for business, academia, and travel, the survey encourages policymakers to prioritise language education as a strategic national asset.
Source: in.gr – https://www.in.gr/2025/12/04/world/poia-xora-tis-ee-milaei-kalytera-ta-agglika-os-deyteri-glossa/
