In a pioneering move for European digital policy, Malta has struck a deal with OpenAI to provide every citizen and resident with free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year. The initiative, announced jointly by the Government of Malta and OpenAI on Saturday, is the first national-level partnership of its kind for the US-based AI company.
To qualify, individuals must be registered with Malta’s online identity system and complete a free online course called AI for All, developed by the University of Malta. The course is designed to demystify artificial intelligence, explaining what it can and cannot do, and how to use it responsibly in both professional and domestic settings.
Education First, Access Second
The programme will launch in phases, with the first cohort beginning in May. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority will oversee the distribution of subscriptions, scaling up as more participants finish the course. “By pairing this education with free access to the most advanced digital tools available today, we are turning an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance for our families, students, and workers,” said Silvio Schembri, Malta’s minister for economy, enterprise and strategic projects.
George Osborne, head of OpenAI for Countries, described the partnership as a model for other nations. “Malta is leading the way by showing how countries can empower their citizens to benefit from the transformative potential of AI,” he said. The initiative is part of a broader trend among European governments seeking to integrate AI literacy into public policy.
Last year, Anthropic launched a project providing all teachers in Iceland with access to its Claude AI assistant for lesson planning and administrative tasks. In September 2025, OpenAI also announced a partnership with the Greek government to bring its technology to secondary schools and start-ups across the country.
Malta’s approach, however, is notably universal, targeting the entire adult population rather than specific professional groups. The island nation, a member of the European Union since 2004, has long positioned itself as a testbed for digital innovation, from blockchain regulation to e-residency schemes. This latest move reinforces its ambition to become a leader in AI adoption within the bloc.
Critics may question the long-term sustainability of a free subscription model, but the government insists the focus is on building foundational skills. The course content, available in English and Maltese, covers ethical considerations, practical applications, and limitations of AI tools. Participants who complete it will receive a certificate and a one-year ChatGPT Plus license, which normally costs €20 per month.
The partnership also highlights the growing role of small EU states in shaping digital policy. While larger nations like Germany and France debate AI regulation at the Brussels level, Malta is moving ahead with concrete implementation. The initiative could serve as a template for other member states looking to boost digital literacy without relying solely on private sector training.
For now, the programme is limited to Maltese citizens and residents. The government has not disclosed the total cost of the partnership, but officials say it is funded through the national digital innovation budget. As the May launch approaches, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority will release further details on the application process.
