French language skills are becoming more strategically important across the European labour market. While English remains dominant in international business, growing cooperation between European governments, defence industries and multinational organisations is increasing the value of professionals who can also communicate effectively in French.
In the Netherlands, approximately 95% of the population says they can hold a conversation in English. However, proficiency in French and German continues to decline. According to the latest Eurobarometer data, only 27% of Dutch citizens now speak enough French to participate in a conversation — down from 30% in 2012.
This decline is increasingly visible within education. Fewer students are taking French and German exams, while shortages of language teachers continue to grow. As a result, the labour market is gradually producing fewer multilingual professionals at the exact moment demand for these skills is rising.
Why French language skills matter in the modern labour market
The growing strategic importance of French can already be seen across European business, defence and energy sectors.
Several major Dutch organisations are now led by French executives, including ASML, ABN AMRO and Euronext. According to Dutch financial media, France continues to produce a strong pipeline of internationally experienced leaders through its elite grande école system.
At the same time, Dutch-French industrial cooperation is expanding rapidly. One of the Netherlands’ largest defence projects — the development of new submarines — has been provisionally awarded to France’s Naval Group. This partnership will require years of close collaboration involving engineering documentation, procurement processes and security communication where French language skills may become increasingly valuable.
The same pattern is emerging within the energy sector. In 2025, Mammoet signed a cooperation agreement with Électricité de France (EDF) related to the future construction of nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. As the Dutch nuclear sector grows, international cooperation with French stakeholders is expected to intensify.
France is already one of the Netherlands’ most important export destinations, accounting for roughly 8% of total Dutch goods exports in 2023. French multinational organisations operating in the Netherlands also provide significant employment opportunities.
For employers, recruiters and labour market professionals, this creates a clear trend: French language skills are evolving from a “nice-to-have” capability into a strategic differentiator.
English alone is no longer enough
English will remain the primary international business language. However, relying solely on English in complex defence, energy or governance partnerships increasingly creates operational and strategic risks.
Language is not only about translation. It also involves negotiation, cultural understanding, trust and nuance — particularly in high-stakes environments involving contracts, compliance, procurement and international collaboration.
AI-powered translation tools are improving rapidly, but they do not fully replace human communication and cultural fluency. Strategic relationships still depend heavily on mutual understanding and credibility.
Professionals with strong French language skills therefore hold a growing advantage in sectors such as defence, energy, procurement, finance, contract management and European public affairs.
What this means for recruiters and employers
For recruitment and HR professionals, the implications are significant. Organisations that invest early in multilingual talent development may gain access to a much scarcer talent pool in the coming years.
This could include investing in language training, international mobility programmes, educational partnerships or targeted recruitment strategies focused on multilingual professionals.
As Europe becomes increasingly focused on strategic autonomy, international cooperation and industrial resilience, language capabilities may once again become a core competitive skill within the labour market.
Professionals who speak French will not only gain access to more opportunities — they may also become increasingly valuable within a rapidly changing European economy.
Read more about labour market developments and international talent trends on totalent.
