It's kinda cool to see how fast English has become more of a second language over about one generation or so 
For the generation of my parents it's still sort of an 'exotic language' while from my gen(im 30 btw) till now it seems more of a second language many people can understand and express themselves with
Ofc this is just how I perceive it but maybe the coming of the internet did have something to do with it 
I think the coming of subtitles on TV had a lot to do with it. Most countries offered a lot of English-language programs. I have noticed that those European countries that use subtitles instead of dubbing also have the best English-speakers.
English (one of the most complicated languages!) has by default become the international lingua franca and many countries are teaching English in schools for younger age groups. In Norway, from age 6 or less. 1/2
My 13-year-old niece speaks fantastic English and even loves to play around with speaking in various accents.
Of course the internet and even greater access to English-language television and video helps to learn vocabulary and accent better.
I have the impression that most kids in countries where internet/streaming is easily available are quite sturdy in English as well as their native language(s). 2/2
stux⚡️
MaryPot