Shaping the future of excellence in Youth, Research, and Innovation

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti has unveiled pivotal 2025 budget measures under the theme “Naħdmu Lejn Pajjiż ta’ Kwalità” (“Working Towards a Nation of Quality”), pledging significant investments in Malta’s research, innovation, and youth empowerment sectors. Structured to address future challenges, these initiatives aim to support young Maltese in education, homeownership, and health, while positioning Malta as a competitive player in research and technological advancement.

Pioneering Investment 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.

On the research front, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti announced expanded funding for Xjenza Malta’s FUSION program, with an allocation of €6.3 million aimed at advancing research in key fields, including health, sustainable resource use, aviation, and technology. This funding enables public, academic, and private entities to spearhead projects that address national priorities.

For the first time, Malta’s Space Sector receives focused investment. Funding for the PECS program, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, increases to €1.5 million, with an additional €400,000 dedicated to implementing Malta’s National Space Strategy (2022-2027). In the coming days, the government is expected to unveil a legal framework establishing national jurisdiction over space activities, enabling Malta to venture into space-related commerce. This framework aligns with global standards, opening avenues for satellite data applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and climate adaptation.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti underscored the government’s support for transformative healthcare solutions, marked by a substantial investment in the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM). This foundation was established earlier this year as a flagship of Malta’s research agenda, dedicated to pioneering cancer prevention and treatment research. With funding set to double in 2025 from €800,000 to €1.6 million, the foundation facilitates collaboration between medical professionals, AI specialists, and digital technology innovators, accelerating progress in cancer care. Through such initiatives, Malta aims to assert itself as a leader in scientific advancement and community-focused health innovation. Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti also said that the CRIHM is working towards bring the first accredited Cancer Mission Hub in Europe.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity in Education and Community Support

Budget 2025 further underscores the government’s commitment to lifelong learning and accessibility. Through a large-scale initiative, over 100 schools are set to undergo modernization over the next 13 years, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) receives a significant budget increase to €1.6 million, tripling its previous funding, to expand support services that foster independence for individuals with disabilities. FITA’s mission is to make technology accessible, offering critical resources for workplaces, homes, and digital interfaces.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Opportunity

Central to Budget 2025 is its focus on empowering young people in critical areas like education, health, and financial stability. The government has expanded the First Time Buyers scheme, which has already benefited nearly 4,900 young applicants, providing crucial financial support through increased grants and reduced stamp duty. This initiative addresses housing affordability, a long-standing challenge for Maltese youth, underscoring the government's commitment to creating stable, long-term housing opportunities.

Youth health and fitness also see priority, with the government covering the first six months of gym memberships for those born between 2005 and 2007, a move that forms part of a broader wellness initiative aimed at fostering lifelong well-being.

Further financial support for youth includes adjustments to the cost-of-living allowance and increased educational stipends, such as book grants and additional parental allowances for post-secondary students. Additionally, Budget 2025 provides substantial allocations for the European Digital Innovation Hub (DiHubMT), an initiative that nurtures young tech entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship and high-performance computing resources. This new hub has the potential to cultivate a fertile environment for Malta’s youth to explore innovation in the digital economy.

The government has also pledged to support the expanding gaming sector by advancing areas like computer gaming, eSports, and immersive technologies, further solidifying Malta’s role as a competitive player in the digital economy. The budget includes provisions for eSports athlete visas, creating a dynamic environment that attracts international talent and promotes cultural and skills exchange within this sector.

Investing in Youth Engagement and Mental Health

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continues to play a key role in Malta’s youth empowerment strategy, bolstered by a 40% funding increase in Budget 2025. This enhanced budget supports a broad array of initiatives, including the BOOST scheme, which provides funding to youth organizations and cultural associations, such as band clubs, enabling them to broaden their activities. This year, the BOOST scheme has funded over 210 projects, engaging more than 60,500 young participants and promoting inclusivity across cultural, educational, and social domains.

Through the Empowerment for Youth program, which has positively impacted 12,000 young Maltese to date, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ plans to expand its reach, focusing on underrepresented groups and nurturing leadership, life skills, and community engagement.

Mental health is also a priority, with initiatives including online counselling and mental health workshops in schools, ensuring accessible support for all youth. International partnerships continue to benefit Maltese youth, providing skill-building and cultural exchange opportunities.

Hosting Youth Conferences in 2025

As part of Malta’s commitment to youth development on the European stage, 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 welcome the European Youth Work Convention, a pivotal event focused on advancing youth work policies and practices across member states. In October, Malta will host a Ministerial Conference for European Ministers responsible for youth, fostering discussions and policy-making for youth-centred initiatives. These events highlight Malta’s leadership in fostering youth engagement and showcase its dedication to shaping inclusive youth-oriented policies on both national and international platforms.

Looking Ahead

Budget 2025 reflects the government’s holistic approach to building a resilient and future-ready Malta. It aims to strengthen Malta’s global standing in research and innovation while cultivating an inclusive environment for the nation’s youth. Through this comprehensive budget, which spans housing, education, health, and career readiness, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti reaffirms the government's dedication to a prosperous Malta, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.