Since English is the most commonly spoken second language worldwide, Brits often rely on speaking it while travelling abroad, especially if they are not familiar with the native language of their destination.

But it would be great to try and learn a bit of the language before travelling for a trip to connect with the locals, but also because you won’t always find people across Europe who understand English. 

Of course, learning a new language isn’t always easy, so it would be worth knowing which European countries you would be best understood in.

Every year, global education company Education First (EF) puts together a list of countries ranking their English according to its English Proficiency Index (EPI).

Last year, 2.1 million non-native English speakers took EF’s Standard English Test, and the company gave each country a ranking of 800 points. This year, the results revealed a decline in the level of English proficiency.

However, the results reported that nine out of 10 of the most English-proficient countries in the world are indeed European. 

The Netherlands scored 636 points, keeping hold of its top spot from last year, coming out best both in Europe and of the 116 countries globally.

Norway made it to second place with 610 points, and Sweden claimed fourth place with 608 points, demonstrating that countries have “very high proficiency”. Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, Austria, and Germany were the European countries that made up the rest of the top 10 countries. 

France, the world’s most visited country and one loved by Brits, only has a “moderate proficiency” in English, dropping down the list each year from 2021. Three years ago, the country had a “high proficiency” in English. However, it dropped down the following year into the category it currently sits in.

This year, it gained 524 points, placing it 49^th place globally, 3 places below Italy, which scored 528 points. Britain’s favourite European destination, Spain, got 538 points, placing it in 36^th place. 

However, when it comes to capital cities, France and Spain capitals demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English.

Countries that Brits may struggle to understand and fall into the “low proficiency” category include Turkey in the 65^th position and Azerbaijan in the 86^th. 

According to the report, English skills across the globe are falling, with 60% of countries scoring lower than last year. While women’s English proficiency remained stable, men’s skills have dropped.