Italy has dropped five spots in the latest English Proficiency Index (EPI) by EF Education First (EF), landing at 46th place in global rankings. This annual report, considered the most comprehensive survey of English language competence worldwide, measures proficiency across 116 countries and regions, including 35 in Europe. Italy now finds itself below Spain, Ukraine, Albania, and Russia, reverting to its 2019 position.
The 2024 report draws from data on 2.1 million test takers, with a near-even gender split (54% female and 46% male) and a median age of 26. Among the participants, only 17% were born before 1990, suggesting a younger demographic is driving English language learning globally.
While the report notes the top three countries — Netherlands, Norway, and Singapore — have maintained strong positions in English proficiency, Italy is struggling to keep up.
In a regional breakdown, Friuli-Venezia Giulia emerges as the top Italian region, followed by Emilia-Romagna and Trentino-Alto Adige. Among Italian cities, Verona (Veneto) ranks highest, followed by Bari and Bologna.
A worrying trend for Italy and beyond
EF’s report highlights a concerning trend: global English proficiency has declined for the fourth consecutive year. This year, 60% of the countries scored lower than last year, a decline EF attributes to diminishing interest in improving English skills beyond current levels.
EF notes that although these national score changes are generally small, the global downward trend raises questions about the long-term motivation to learn English, particularly as many parts of the world achieve functional proficiency. In Europe, where English is often a second language, Italian proficiency is slipping at a time when other countries are making gains.
Regional and city highlights within Italy
Italy’s regional data shows a familiar divide, with northern regions generally outperforming their southern counterparts. Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a small region in northeastern Italy, leads in proficiency, reflecting a strong emphasis on language education and international exposure. Emilia-Romagna and Trentino-Alto Adige, two other northern regions, follow closely.
Among Italian cities, Verona in Veneto, holds the highest English proficiency score, followed by the southern city of Bari and the academic hub of Bologna. Major cities such as Milan and Rome, while scoring high on an international scale, did not secure top positions within Italy, reflecting varied regional performance in language education.
Italy’s need to prioritise English skills
With English proficiency increasingly crucial for international business, education, and travel, Italy’s declining rank may impact its economic competitiveness and cultural exchanges. EF’s report suggests that while Italy is making some progress, it lacks the drive seen in other European countries to prioritise English learning. As globalisation continues, English skills remain an asset for Italians in a wide range of fields, from tourism to technology.
For Italy to close the gap with its European neighbours, increased focus on language education, starting from an early age, may be key. Investing in training for teachers, expanding access to English learning resources, and promoting the benefits of bilingualism are critical steps that could reverse Italy’s downward trend. However, this comes at a time when the OECD report shows a lack of investment in education across Italy.
