European Parliament launches EU Code Week 2025

Empowering Europe's next generation through digital skills

On Monday, the European Parliament launched EU Code Week 2025, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Europe's most successful digital education grassroots movements – which we are proud to support as part of the Code4Europe consortium.

Hosted and opened by Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, the launch brought together policymakers, educators, industry representatives, and digital advocates from across the continent. With high-level support from the European Commission, including video messages from Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, DG CNECT Head of Unit for Interactive Technologies, and Digital for Culture and Education, the launch set the stage for a new year of collaboration and innovation in digital education.

"Digital literacy is the foundation for innovation and inclusion," said Mr Negrescu, calling Code Week a true European success story. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice‑President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy and Commissioner for Digital and Frontier Technologies, reaffirmed the Commission's long-term commitment to "ensuring every European has the skills and confidence to participate in a sovereign and competitive digital future."

Code Week is driven by community voices, empowering European youth, ensuring skills and gender equality in the digital sector.

"Code Week plays a crucial role, by engaging children early on in coding and preparing them for future opportunities. We are also committed to empower girls and women to enhance their digital skills and to take up careers in the tech sector. Women make up half of the humanity, so they should be at least half of the workforce employed in the technology sector", said Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, DG CNECT's Head of Unit for Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education.

Connecting policy, practice and people

As part of the Code4Europe consortium, Schuman Associates works to translate EU policy priorities into tangible impact. Through coordination, stakeholder engagement, and communication activities, we help ensure that EU Code Week continues to grow as a truly pan-European movement connecting teachers, learners, and communities across borders.

This collaborative spirit was also at the heart of the Madrid Consortium Meeting in September, where more than 40 stakeholders from 20 European countries gathered to exchange ideas and strategies for the future of digital education. The EU Code Week Consortium and Community gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter, the second year of the Code4Europe project, and to celebrate a remarkable milestone: over 10 million young people across Europe have already been empowered with digital and coding skills.

That number tells a powerful story. Behind it are teachers, mentors, community leaders, and thousands of volunteers who have turned curiosity into creativity and opportunity. Their passion and engagement are shaping Europe's digital future — one young coder at a time. From classroom educators to tech industry innovators, every voice in the room echoed the same belief: digital skills are the foundation of empowerment.

At Schuman Associates, we are proud to be part of this dedicated network that is driving forward youth empowerment through collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

From inspiration to empowerment

"In just one year, EU Code Week has united a vibrant community and reached millions of young people: proof of the energy and creativity waiting to be unlocked across Europe." - Diana Filip – JA Europe, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer

Her words capture the essence of Code4Europe's mission: to give every young person the skills and confidence to shape their own future. The initiative demonstrates that coding is more than a technical skill: it's a gateway to creativity, problem-solving, and active participation in Europe's digital decade.

For Schuman Associates, this reflects a broader commitment to supporting EU-funded initiatives that turn European ambitions into real-world outcomes, from digital transformation and skills development to cybersecurity.

EU Code Week 2025

Running from 11 to 26 October 2025, EU Code Week is once again bringing coding and digital creativity to life in classrooms, libraries, and community spaces across Europe. Workshops, hackathons, and inclusive learning events will show that digital skills are not just for coders: they're for everyone.

As the activities roll out, Schuman Associates remains engaged in connecting partners and amplifying impact, helping ensure that the initiative continues to inspire millions and strengthen Europe's digital future. 

A shared digital future

Code4Europe stands as a vivid example of what can be achieved when European cooperation, community engagement and institutional support come together. By bringing stakeholders closer, from policymakers to teachers, it builds a bridge between EU vision and local action.

Through our ongoing involvement in this grassroots initiative, Schuman Associates continues to foster partnerships and deliver results that empower people, strengthen skills, and advance Europe's strategic priorities.

To learn more about our role in Code4Europe and explore how we help connect ideas, people, and opportunities across Europe, visit the dedicated project page.

The next generation is already coding Europe's future, and through collaboration, creativity, and commitment, we're proud to be part of that journey.