In a recent press conference on the 2025 Budget, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti unveiled significant initiatives under the theme “Naħdmu Lejn Pajjiż ta’ Kwalità” (“Working Towards a Quality Nation”). With substantial investments aimed at enhancing Malta’s research capabilities, promoting youth empowerment, and fostering technological advancement, the budget sets out to prepare Malta for future challenges and opportunities.

Pioneering Investments in Research and Innovation

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti announced an ambitious research initiative in quantum computing, set to launch next year, thanks to the newly allocated budget. This project aims to bolster Malta’s quality-driven research ecosystem and has already attracted partnerships with international tech giants IBM, Amazon, and a third key player, Airbus. The collaborative venture highlights Malta’s growing influence in the digital sector, as the nation positions itself as a hub for cutting-edge technological advancements.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti also announced expanded funding for Xjenza Malta’s FUSION program, now allocated €6.3 million to promote advancements in health, sustainable resource use, aviation, and technology. This funding enables academic, public, and private entities to initiate projects that align with Malta’s national priorities.

Malta’s Space Sector is receiving focused attention for the first time, with the PECS program, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, now increased to €1.5 million, along with an additional €400,000 for implementing the National Space Strategy (2022-2027). The government will soon introduce a legal framework for establishing Malta’s national jurisdiction over space activities, opening doors to commercial space ventures and satellite data applications in fields like environmental management, agriculture, and climate adaptation.

The Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM) Foundation, established this year, will receive double its previous funding—up from €800,000 to €1.6 million—thanks to the new budget. This funding enables CRIHM to spearhead pioneering research in cancer prevention and treatment through collaborations among medical experts, AI specialists, and digital technology innovators. The initiative reinforces Malta’s ambition to lead in health-focused scientific progress and reflects its commitment to community well-being. Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti also said that the CRIHM is working towards bring the first accredited Cancer Mission Hub in Europe.

Supporting Accessibility and Inclusivity in Education

The 2025 Budget also emphasizes lifelong learning and educational access, with plans to upgrade more than 100 schools over the next 13 years, prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA), which works to increase digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities, will see its budget tripled to €1.6 million. This increase will enable FITA to expand its services, ensuring greater independence and access to digital tools at work and at home.

Driving Youth Empowerment and Opportunities

A focal point of Budget 2025 is empowering Malta’s youth, with measures that touch on education, wellness, and financial independence. The First Time Buyers scheme—which has already supported nearly 4,900 applicants—will receive additional funding to expand its reach, providing new grants and reduced stamp duty for young people buying their first homes. This expanded support seeks to address the pressing issue of housing affordability for Malta’s youth, reinforcing the government’s dedication to stable, long-term housing solutions.

Youth fitness is also a priority, with the government offering to cover six months of gym membership for young people born between 2005 and 2007.

Further financial support for young people will come through increased cost-of-living allowances and expanded educational stipends, including book allowances and supplementary parental support for post-secondary students. Additionally, the budget includes substantial funding for the European Digital Innovation Hub (DiHubMT), which is designed to support young tech entrepreneurs with mentorship programs and high-performance computing resources. This initiative aims to nurture an innovative ecosystem where Malta’s youth can explore opportunities within the digital economy.

The government has also committed to advancing the gaming sector, by backing developments in eSports, computer gaming, and immersive technologies, all of which strengthen Malta’s status as a competitive player in the digital arena. New provisions for eSports athlete visas are also introduced, allowing Malta to attract international talent and foster cultural and skill exchanges within this rapidly growing field.

Expanding Youth Engagement and Mental Health Resources

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ remains a vital force in youth empowerment, with its budget increased by 40% in 2025. This added funding supports a range of initiatives, including the BOOST scheme, which assists youth organizations and cultural groups like band clubs to expand their activities. This year alone, BOOST has backed over 210 projects, engaging upwards of 60,500 participants and promoting inclusivity in education, culture, and community involvement.

Through its Empowerment for Youth program, which has positively impacted over 12,000 young Maltese so far, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ aims to further broaden its reach, focusing on underrepresented groups and fostering life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

Mental health is another government priority, with resources allocated for online counseling and school-based mental health workshops, ensuring accessible support across Malta. International partnerships also provide young people with opportunities for skill-building and cultural exchange.

Malta to Host Key Youth Conferences in 2025

In line with Malta’s commitment to youth development within the European Union, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti announced that Malta will host two major youth conferences in 2025 under its Presidency of the Council of Europe. In May, Malta will host the European Youth Work Convention, a major event dedicated to advancing youth work policies and practices across Europe. Then, in October, Malta will welcome a Ministerial Conference for European Ministers responsible for youth, creating a platform for discussing youth-centered initiatives and strengthening youth policies across the continent.

Looking Forward

Budget 2025 showcases the Maltese government’s holistic vision for a future-ready Malta, strengthened by a focus on youth empowerment, cutting-edge research, and a robust digital economy. Through initiatives spanning housing, education, wellness, and career opportunities, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti reaffirms the government’s commitment to a resilient and prosperous Malta prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

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