Czechia maintains strong English skills as proficiency declines across EU

While English proficiency is declining in 60 percent of countries worldwide, Czech speakers are holding steady, even improving slightly within Europe.

According to the 2024 English Proficiency Index from global education organization EF Education First, Czechs ranked 25th among 116 countries, scoring 567 points.

Despite an overall drop in English skills across EU countries—where scores fell by an average of 13 points—non-EU countries only saw a two-point dip. The Netherlands, Norway, and Singapore topped the index, while Yemen ranked last.

The Czech Republic improved by one place compared to last year's EF report. The Philippines, Lithuania, Serbia, Malaysia, and Suriname had comparable results to the Czech Republic. Slovakia bested neighboring Czechia, occupying the 18th place.

“The widespread use of technologies like AI-powered translation tools is likely impacting English proficiency, as many people now rely on these tools for everyday communication,” said Sabina Wyrobová, from EF Education First’s Czech branch to Novinky.cz.

"And with English proficiency almost a given in many sectors, languages like French, Spanish, and German are gaining demand in the workforce."

Wyrobová also noted inflation’s role, saying that higher costs of living mean people are spending less on language courses, potentially affecting future proficiency rates.

EF Education First’s findings on English proficiency come as the Czech Ministry of Education considers new language requirements for young students. Education Minister Mikuláš Bek has proposed introducing mandatory foreign language instruction from the first grade in Czech primary schools to strengthen early language skills.

However, his plan has drawn significant criticism from educational organizations which argue that the shift is premature, citing a shortage of qualified foreign language teachers and inadequate training for first-grade educators.