On 26 March 2026, partners of the MiCreS project convened in Valletta, Malta, for a full-day meeting hosted by the Institute of Financial Services Malta (ifs Malta) and the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE). The meeting brought together project partners, stakeholders, and experts to review progress, share pilot experiences, and plan the next phase of implementation.
Opening and Stakeholder Perspectives
The meeting opened with welcome addresses from Mr Peter Calleya, President of ifs Malta, and Mr William Portelli, President of MUBE. The sessions highlighted both institutional and employee perspectives, underlining the importance of aligning skills development initiatives with workforce needs.
Project Progress and Key Achievements
During the first session, partners reviewed the project’s progress in 2025. Key milestones included:
- The successful completion of the micro-credential ecosystem
- Submission of the mid-term report
- Alignment of the blockchain-based solution with EU GDPR requirements
- Pilot implementation of the micro-credential in Ireland and Malta
The project continues to focus on scaling its results at European level, with plans to extend the micro-credential offering to partner countries following the pilot phase. Lessons learned are being consolidated to support effective implementation.
Work Package 4 (Blockchain) highlighted the role of technology in creating a secure, verifiable, and portable micro-credential system, enabling cross-border recognition of qualifications.
Work Package 5 (Dissemination) reported ongoing efforts, including the development of a communication strategy, newsletters, dissemination events, and a future impact survey planned for 2026.
Pilot Experiences: Ireland and Malta
The Irish pilot, delivered by the Institute of Banking as a recognised college of University College Dublin, offered a 5 ECTS online programme. A total of 26 participants from banking and investment fund sectors enrolled, with all successfully completing the course.
The Maltese pilot demonstrated strong learner satisfaction, particularly regarding the relevance and European recognition of the micro-credential. Feedback indicated that future improvements should focus primarily on delivery methods rather than course content.
ESG Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
A dedicated session led by Perit David Xuereb from the Malta ESG Alliance (MESGA) highlighted the importance of leadership and collaboration in advancing sustainability. The discussion emphasised engagement with policymakers, institutions, and industry leaders to address key challenges and drive systemic change.
Looking Ahead: Final Conference in Brussels
The meeting concluded with a breakout session focused on the organisation of the final MiCreS conference, planned for October 2026 in Brussels. Initial ideas were shared, setting the foundation for a high-impact closing event.
Moving Forward
As the MiCreS project progresses, partners remain committed to:
- Expanding the adoption of micro-credentials across Europe
- Enhancing transparency and trust through digital solutions
- Supporting lifelong learning and workforce adaptability
The Valletta meeting marked an important step in consolidating progress and preparing for the next phase of European-level impact.