Coding Accessible to Everyone: Malta Far Exceeds EU Digital Standards with Launch of Two New Initiatives

Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, formally opened this year's EU Code Week during a press conference. The continent-wide campaign promotes programming skills as a fundamental element of modern digital citizenship for all residents of Malta and Gozo.

The Minister drew attention to Malta's remarkable achievements in developing a digitally advanced, interconnected, and forward-thinking society. He noted, "According to the European Commission's Digital Decade Report released last June, Malta attained 96% digital competency—substantially higher than the EU benchmark."

The Minister for the Economic Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, opening EU Code Week 2025

During the event, two fresh programmes were unveiled as components of a nationwide digital strategy:

Boost Your Coding Scheme: This initiative provides €1,000 grants to anyone aged 16 or above for participation in introductory programming classes. The scheme, backed by €400,000 in funding, seeks to broaden access to coding education.

Minecraft Education Challenge Malta Competition: This contest targets students in primary and secondary education. Using Minecraft Education, young people across the Maltese islands will acquire programming knowledge through collaborative creative projects.

Minister Schembri acknowledged the MDIA's leadership role in driving this project forward, alongside Microsoft, Minecraft's developer, and Gaming Malta for their partnership.

Kenneth Brincat, MDIA's Chief Executive Officer, stressed that the authority's forward-focused approach centres on nurturing digital living and promoting technology careers that deliver high-quality employment. "We remain committed to advancing Europe's digital evolution and guaranteeing our educational infrastructure is equipped for tomorrow's demands, laying the groundwork for a comprehensively digital Malta," Mr. Brincat remarked.

EU Code Week 2025 marks a further advancement in shaping Malta's technological landscape, consistent with the objectives outlined in Malta Vision 2050.