The Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, has officially launched EU Code Week 2026, which will take place between 10th till the 25th of October. This Europe-wide initiative encourages people of all ages to explore programming, digital creativity and technology through hands-on activities and learning experiences.
Last year, Malta organised 1,100 coding activities, placing the country second among European Union member states. These results reflect the work being done to equip young people with the skills they need to advance and seize the opportunities of digital transformation.
During this launch, Minister Schembri said that digital skills have become fundamental to Malta’s economic and social development and are essential to ensure that future generations are ready for a world built on technology. “Digital transformation starts with education. Through EU Code Week, we are not only connecting young people with programming and technology but also develop the creativity and skills that are shaping quality jobs for young Maltese and Gozitan people.”
The Minister added that investing in digital skills is essential to continue transforming our economy and to prepare young people for the needs of the world of work. EU Code Week continues to strengthen Malta’s digital ecosystem by encouraging more young people to choose studies and careers in technology, engineering and communication with good salaries.
The Minister also stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, industry and Government, “so that together we achieve the results we are working towards.” This initiative forms part of Malta’s journey towards digital transformation, in both the educational and entrepreneurial fields.
EU Code Week School Label
One of the key highlights of this year’s launch is the successful implementation in Malta of the EU Code Week School Label, a recognition awarded to schools that have shown long-term commitment to programming and digital skills.
As a result, ten Maltese schools have been awarded the EU Code Week School Label for the period 2026–2028, in recognition of their commitment to integrating programming and digital literacy into their educational practices.
The Chief Executive Officer of MDIA, Kenneth Brincat, highlighted Malta’s strong results in EU Code Week over the past eleven years: “For more than ten years, Malta has consistently shown strong participation in EU Code Week and has established itself among the best-performing European countries relative to population size.”
New MDIA Initiatives
As part of this year’s programme, MDIA is launching the second edition of the Funovation Competition, which recognises schools that demonstrate excellent participation in EU Code Week through innovative digital learning activities.
MDIA is also launching the Minecraft Education: Future Mobility Malta Challenge, which invites students to use Minecraft Education to propose innovative solutions for safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility.
Photo: METP
