Teaching a foreign language is a complicated process which requires competent teachers in order to be successful. But which competences does a competent foreign language teacher possess? This thesis deals with developing teaching competences of primary EFL students. The author provides information on the general definition(s) of competences, teachers’ training and qualifications on a global scale as well as defining competences in various European countries, especially focusing on Croatia and foreign language teachers’ competences in primary schools. Furthermore, the thesis deals with the development of English language teacher competences through the integrated undergraduate and graduate study for primary teacher education with English at the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb (UFZG). This program of study is compared to other English language programs of study at four other faculties in Croatia: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rijeka, University of Rijeka (FFRI), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, University of Zagreb (FFZG), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek, University of Osijek (FFOS), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zadar, University of Zadar (UNIZD). The last chapter points out to the importance of acquiring and developing professional competences as well as some ways in which this could be done, ensuring adequate opportunities for further professional development in the teaching expertise.