The Future Of English In The EU In 2025

While the number of potential English learners in parts of the EU is projected to drop by 15.3 million by 2025, the British Council predicts that demand for high‑level, specialised English — and the teachers who can deliver it — is set to evolve, not disappear.

This is one of the key findings of a 2018 report by the British Council called “The Future Demand for English in Europe: 2025 and Beyond.” 

The research into changing trends in the English Language Teaching (ELT) industry yielded some interesting results. Data from a sample of seven countries — France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain — painted a promising picture of the ELT sector’s future in Europe.

And even though some of the statistics sound worrying, the ELT industry is still alive and kicking. This, despite the UK’s exit from the European Union, better known as Brexit, in early 2020.

Read more: Teach English in Europe

What the research says

The demand for English language learning is influenced by local population trends, educational policies, and economic conditions — meaning it looks very different from country to country.

But ultimately, English maintains its lingua franca status as the EU’s preferred second language. 

English facilitates business relations, and its prominence in pop culture makes it attractive, particularly to the youth. The fact that it’s easier to learn than many other languages, say Mandarin, for example, is also a factor.

Let’s look at various influences on language learning to find out what effects we can expect on the future of English language teaching in the EU. 

• Technology

Popular language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel have changed the language learning landscape, including English learning. 

However, they are better suited to start you off on the basics rather than build fluency. This means that they are currently unable to replace face-to-face learning (hello, TEFL teachers!) , though this may change in the future. 

This uncertainty around the use of tech and its impact on the ELT industry means that the sector needs to actively work with technology, so that tech doesn’t take the lead in addressing learner needs. 

Learners are increasingly seeking personalised, purpose-driven learning, as well as blended learning options. 

Learners also require certifications to back up their learning. 

This is an area where technology might step in and bridge the gap in terms of assessment needs. But for the time being, qualified TEFL teachers are needed to assess learners’ proficiency levels. ChatGPT is not quite there – yet!

• Population trends

Poland has experienced an increased demand for ELT thanks to families living abroad and the need for English proficiency to secure even mid-skilled jobs. 

Elsewhere, demographic changes such as lower birth rates and ageing populations are reshaping the learner base. The report estimates an 8.8% drop in total learners across seven EU countries between 2015 and 2025. 

• Education policies

Bilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) have been introduced in Spain, France, and Italy. 

These language teaching approaches aim to increase English language proficiency by using English as the medium of instruction for other subjects.

Exposure to English in schools is location-dependent and influences how English is taught and learned. In rural areas, access to English — both inside and outside the classroom — tends to be much lower than in cities. In some countries, the gap is small, but in Poland, the divide is particularly big.

Plus, parents often underestimate their children’s gaps in Academic English and rely on private English tutors. This is again where TEFL teachers come in.

• Career opportunities

In countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, high demand for ELT comes from ambitious young professionals eager to boost their skills and stand out in a competitive job market.

• Tourism

Tourism and ELT often go hand in hand.

ELT is a big part of the tourism industry in countries like Greece, Spain, and Portugal, where there is a strong demand for Tourism English to facilitate interactions between locals and visitors in hotels or on guided tours. 

Strong English skills can boost business and enhance the tourist experience.

In the UK, youth tourism was a huge driver for ELT demand with 1.2 million EU children visiting in 2019 alone, but this number has declined since Brexit, which led to job losses in the ELT and tourism sectors.

For TEFL teachers, this means that teaching English for Specific Purposes is a good niche market to tackle.

• Brexit

Brexit is unlikely to seriously affect demand for English in Europe because of its global lingua franca status, which is driven by trends outside of the UK’s ties with the EU. However, English teaching activity is moving to other parts of Europe because of it. 

• Demographics

As more adults enter the workforce with higher levels of English proficiency, the role of ELT is changing. 

At the same time, the older population, which includes semi-retired elders, retirees, and grandparents — known as “Third Age” learners — is creating a new demand for English. 

Older learners seek out English courses to keep mentally active, travel and communicate with family living abroad. 

This growing demographic will contribute to the ongoing demand for English tuition, especially as people continue to move between different industries and roles.

Read more: How do Adults Learn Foreign Languages: How to Teach English to Adults 

• Personalised learning 

High levels of English proficiency are giving rise to new learner profiles, including “top‑up” learners — working adults who want targeted, flexible learning in short bursts. 

Employers value high‑level English skills for specialised tasks like negotiations, presentations, and workplace challenges, making tailored support in these areas increasingly valuable. This shift is driving demand for innovative, short‑format courses that fit busy schedules.

Read more: What You Should Know About Teaching Business English

Overall, changes in the ELT landscape are due to a number of overlapping factors. Demand for ELT is shaped by the type of instruction required, which has become more specific, paving the way for niche ELT roles as learning becomes customised and classrooms become bilingual, or even multilingual. 

Also, different types of European English will develop due to local variations. 

Flexibility is key in adapting to the changing demands of the ELT industry.   

If you’re ready to experience the magic of teaching English in Europe, you’ve come to the right place! With one of our TEFL courses, you could be enjoying a croissant in Paris for your next breakfast!

For real stories of TEFL teachers abroad, check out our alumni:

Rosie, in Madrid, Spain: Living in Madrid is brilliant, it’s a great city. My school is very central and I live nearby. Recently my favourite thing has been the weather! School finishes around lunchtime and I enjoy going to the local pool to relax in the heat after work. I must mention the food too which is a real highlight.

Susannah, teaching teens in Lecce, Italy: Lecce is a beautiful city in Puglia which is referred to as “The Florence of the South” due to its impressive Baroque style architecture. The city is located between two spectacular coastlines: the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea which, with their fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters resemble tropical climes.

Joel, in Poland: Coming from Cape Town, South Africa, I’m used to the big city life – I’m surprised as to how I’ve comfortably adjusted to life in the small town of Busko-Zdroj. I think the biggest factor is the people that I’m associated with – my boss, colleagues, students, landlord, neigbours have welcomed me and included me like one of their own.

Think you’ve got what it takes to teach English in Europe? Juts follow our 5 simple steps to get TEFL-certified and you’ll be on your way!