Multilingualism is one of the 8 key competences for lifelong learning. It helps people lead fulfilling lives, enhance their job prospects and participate fully in society.
EU countries recognised the value of multilingualism in the Council Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, which highlights the importance of language learning from an early age.
How well do Europeans learn and speak languages?
Language teaching in schools
Schools across Europe have made significant progress in language education and primary pupils learn foreign languages earlier than before.
Nevertheless, learning a second foreign language still needs more support, especially in vocational education.
Language skills and attitudes across the EU
Recent surveys show how Europeans use and value languages:
- 59% of Europeans can have a conversation in at least 1 foreign language
- 28% can have a conversation in at least 2 foreign languages
- among young people aged 15 to 24, these figures rise to 79% and 39%
- English remains the most commonly spoken foreign language – almost half of Europeans speak it
- 76% believe that improving language skills should be a political priority
These results come from the 2024 EU survey on Europeans and their languages, which builds on the 2012 Special Eurobarometer on Europeans and their languages.