EU Code Week Community unites in Madrid

Empowering Europe's next generation

Last month, the EU Code Week Consortium and Community gathered in Madrid (18-19 September) to celebrate the start of a new chapter — the second year of the Code4Europe project — and a truly inspiring milestone: over 10 million young people across Europe have now 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.

The Madrid meeting brought together over 40 educational and digital industry stakeholders from 20 European countries, all united by a shared vision: to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.

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.

Through initiatives like EU Code Week, we are not only teaching coding: we are changing lives. Every young person who learns to code gains more than a technical skill; they gain the confidence to shape their own Europe. This grassroots initiative keeps bringing passion, inspiration, and innovation into students and teachers lives.

"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. But this is only the beginning" said Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer of JA Europe.

"Our vision is bold: to give every young person the digital skills and confidence to shape their own future. We call on educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities everywhere to join us — especially this October during Code Week — to inspire millions more and build a truly inclusive digital Europe."

Her words perfectly captured the spirit of the consortium: one of partnership, purpose, and progress. This year, the focus is on deepening engagement with industry and the community, and showcasing the many ways coding and digital skills can open doors to new careers, opportunities, and ideas.

What's next: EU Code Week 2025

As Code4Europe begins its second year, the energy is building toward EU Code Week 2025, running from 11 to 26 October. Across Europe, classrooms, communities, and homes will come alive with workshops, hackathons, and inclusive digital learning activities, because coding is not just for coders; it is for everyone.

The celebrations have officially kick off with the EU Code Week Launch Event on 13 October hosted and opened by Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, who stressed the importance of inclusive digital education. This high-energy opening brought together policymakers, educators, industry voices, and the grassroots community that make EU Code Week possible.

Schuman Associates was represented by its Project Manager, who actively collaborated with partners and organisers in the preparation and coordination of this major European event, reinforcing our commitment to fostering digital education and connecting key stakeholders across Europe.

The event featured special video messages from Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, setting the tone for an inspiring afternoon of dialogue and innovation, and from Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, DG CNECT Head of Unit for Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education, highlighting how coding and digital literacy continue to empower learners and strengthen Europe's digital future. Expect keynotes, panel discussions and live demos exploring the future of digital skills, the role of AI in education, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in Europe's digital decade.

Connecting Europe through code

At its heart, Code4Europe is about more than coding: it is about connecting Europe and connecting Europeans. It is about ensuring that young people everywhere, from cities to rural regions, can access the digital skills that open doors to opportunity.

Across the continent, people are talking about digital skills, discovering new possibilities, and engaging in meaningful activities that build confidence and creativity. As the Code4Europe consortium continues to grow, one message remains clear: when we invest in digital skills, we invest in Europe's future.

Looking ahead

At Schuman Associates, we are proud to play a part in this movement — supporting partnerships that make real impact and empowering young people to dream, build, and lead in a digital world.

To discover more about Schuman Associates' role in EU Code Week and the Code4Europe project, visit our dedicated Code4Europe project pages and explore how we are helping to connect ideas, people, and opportunities across Europe.

Together, through collaboration, creativity, and commitment, we are proving that the future of Europe is in capable hands, and those hands are coding, creating, and connecting like never before.