English is already the unofficial language of the EU

This BRAND EU position paper examines the English-speaking statistics within the EU, and identifies that, in many ways, English is already the unofficial language of the EU.

The article summarises the key reasons why the European Union needs English as its collective, shared or unofficial language, with a special focus on understanding why English would not act as a barrier to other European languages, but instead be the path for a stronger and more adept EU. Having English as the shared second language – as the “lingua franca,” would break down further barriers and enable greater social mobility across Europe – uniting us in our diversity. It is important to note that the paper does not argue that English replaces native languages but is instead used to supplement them, while continuing to promote the spirit of diversity and richness which makes the European Union so unique.

Having English as the unofficial second language in the EU would allow far greater mobility within and outside of Europe, as English is really the current global lingua franca – the great international language.