Some EU officials have called for the end of English as the dominant language on the continent following Britain’s departure. But in reality, despite our departure from the EU, European countries are still too reliant on English to rid it as an official language. Data from the Pew Research Centre has also shown English is the most widely taught in schools across the continent.
In the data set from 2020, 96 percent of students in Italy study English at school.
In France, the number reaches 97 percent while in Poland and Spain, the number is 96 percent.
With this in mind, the Italian version of Business Insider stated: “Faced with these two considerations, namely its constant use in Brussels and its widespread use in schools, we come to the conclusion that despite Brexit, the English language cannot be replaced by potential rival languages, such as German, French or Italian.
“In conclusion, Brexit will not be the end of English as a shared language within European borders and its institutions, although it is very likely that this ‘English’ will no longer be British English, which appears to be destined to detach itself forever from the rest of the continent after Brexit.”
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In 2017, former Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti had called for English to become the main official language.
During a speech at the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, he called for French to be side-lined in favour of English.
He claimed by doing so, it would help Europeans become more competitive by using fewer languages.
He said: “The European Union, when the UK leaves, should take the decision of upgrading the use of the English language in European Union affairs.
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In contrast, French President, Emmanuel Macron and former EU Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker had called for French to become the most used language on the continent.
Although French is the sixth most spoken language in the world, Mr Macron called for French to be more spoken across the world.
He said two years ago: “The situation now is quite paradoxical.
“English has probably never been as present in Brussels at the time when we are talking about Brexit.
“This domination is not inevitable.
“It’s up to us to set some rules, to be present, and make French the language with which one has access to a number of opportunities.”
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.
