Malta Secures €276 Million Agreement to Continue Free Childcare Services

New Agreement Bolsters Free Childcare Initiative

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday, January 25, 2026, a new €276 million agreement dedicated to sustaining free childcare services across Malta. The announcement was made during a Labour Party political activity focused on family well-being and quality of life. This significant investment represents a €34 million increase over the previous agreement and is set to be disbursed over the next four years.

The primary objective of this renewed commitment is to continue providing crucial support to families and to incentivize higher participation in the workforce. The agreement, expected to be formally signed with childcare service providers in the coming days, ensures that these vital services remain accessible and free of charge.

The Evolution of Free Childcare in Malta

The Free Childcare Scheme in Malta was initially launched in 2014. Its foundational goal was to facilitate the re-entry of women into the workforce during their children's early years, while simultaneously ensuring that young children receive essential early education.

Eligibility for the scheme extends to children whose parents are either both employed or actively pursuing education. This comprehensive approach also includes single parents and fostering parents, ensuring broad access to the services. The scheme caters to children from three months up to three years of age, continuing until they become eligible to enroll in Kindergarten 1.

Impact and Future Outlook

The Free Childcare Scheme has demonstrated considerable reach and impact since its inception. As of October 2023, the scheme was utilized by 7,912 children across 186 childcare centres. This new agreement underscores the government's ongoing commitment to family-centric policies and economic development.

The Prime Minister's announcement also touched upon broader governmental initiatives, including upcoming reforms in family law, plans for investment in a specialized facility for family-related court cases, and discussions surrounding safeguards for children's mental health in the context of social media use.