OpenAI offers ChatGPT Plus to Maltese citizens for one year

OpenAI has announced a national partnership with the government of Malta that will provide free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year to Maltese citizens and residents. The agreement marks the first time the artificial intelligence company has launched a programme of this scale with an entire country.

The initiative forms part of Malta’s wider efforts to strengthen digital skills and increase the public’s understanding of artificial intelligence. OpenAI said the programme would begin in phases, with eligible participants required to complete a training course before activating the subscription.

Malta positions itself as an early adopter of AI

OpenAI said the partnership reflects Malta’s ambition to place its citizens at the centre of technological change. The company described the agreement as the “world’s first partnership” of its kind between OpenAI and a national government.

Silvio Schembri, Malta’s Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, said the country wanted to ensure its population was prepared for the growing influence of artificial intelligence in daily life and business. “Malta is the first country to launch a partnership of this scale because we refuse to let our citizens stay behind in the digital age,” Schembri said in a statement. “We are putting our people at the very forefront of global change.”

The programme will give users access to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI’s paid subscription service, which normally costs US$20 a month in the United States. The service includes access to more advanced AI models and additional features compared with the free version of ChatGPT.

According to OpenAI, the first stage of the rollout is scheduled to begin this month. Subscription distribution will be managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, which will oversee access for eligible residents and citizens.

An AI training course is required before access

Residents interested in joining the programme must first complete an artificial intelligence course created by the University of Malta. The course is designed to introduce participants to the basics of AI technology and explain how such tools can be used responsibly in professional and personal settings.

OpenAI said the training would focus not only on practical use cases but also on ethical considerations linked to AI adoption. The company stated that the programme aims to improve digital literacy across Malta while encouraging responsible use of emerging technologies.

Applicants will also need an active electronic identity account issued in the European Union to claim the subscription. OpenAI said access would initially be limited as the programme begins, before expanding over time as more residents and Maltese citizens living abroad complete the required course.

Malta has a population of around 574,250 people, making it one of Europe’s smaller nations. Despite its size, the country has increasingly positioned itself as a testing ground for digital innovation and technology-focused regulation. Government officials have previously promoted Malta as a centre for fintech, blockchain and digital services.

The partnership with OpenAI is expected to support Malta’s wider strategy to improve digital skills and encourage greater participation in technology-driven industries. Officials believe broader public access to AI tools could help individuals and businesses adapt more quickly to changes in the global economy.

OpenAI expands globally while reviewing UK data centre plans

The Malta agreement comes as OpenAI continues to build partnerships with governments, businesses and major organisations around the world. The company has recently signed agreements across sectors, including financial technology, media and entertainment.

While OpenAI is moving ahead with its Malta programme, the company has reportedly paused progress on its Stargate data centre project in the United Kingdom. The project was intended to support the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country.

Reports indicated that high energy costs and regulatory concerns contributed to the decision to halt the plans. The Stargate project was expected to play a role in expanding computing capacity needed for large-scale AI systems and services.

The pause highlights broader challenges in the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, particularly in Europe, where energy prices and regulatory requirements remain key concerns for technology companies. Building and operating AI data centres requires significant electricity resources, making operating costs an important factor in investment decisions.

Despite these challenges, OpenAI appears to be continuing its efforts to expand internationally through partnerships and public initiatives. The Malta programme represents a different approach from the company’s previous commercial agreements, focusing instead on public access and digital education at a national level.