As in other continents, Europe has a rich linguistic diversity. The most spoken native languages in Europe are (in order): Russian; German; English; French; Italian. These few but widely spoken languages (except Italian) play a very beneficial role in "uniting Europe." However, there is agreement that one common "second" language for Europe, besides optimizing the "unifying by language" process, is also the most practical and economic solution in a linguistically diverse continent. Since the end of the Cold War, German has been gaining in popularity in those Eastern European countries bordering Germany, whilst the French are actively promoting their own language in Romania and Bulgaria. However, English remains the most widely spoken language in Europe (to varying degrees of proficiency) and remains popular to learn. For many Europeans, English is also easier to learn than both German and French. English is also the world's most widely spoken language, and the preferred language in international business, intergouvernmental and general communication, and in organisations including the European Union. Hence, considering Europe, and Europe on the international stage, English is the logical and practical choice for a common second language of Europe. To ensure this, it is suggested that the progression of English in Europe should be boosted by actively promoting English as least as much as all other second languages are throughout the whole of Europe. Efforts should also be made to officially recognize and implement English as the second/common language of Europe.
When two people whose native language differ from each other communicate, they typically do so in English, whether either person's native language is English or not.