EU Code Week Community Gathers in Sofia to Shape the Future of Digital Education

Publication date: April 14, 2025

 Sofia, Bulgaria – April 3, 2025 

At the beginning of this month, educators, ambassadors, leading teachers, and hub representatives from across Europe gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria for the EU Code Week Community Meeting — a vibrant day of reflection, planning, and reconnection. 

The event focused on reconnecting with each other, collaborating, and discussing how we can strengthen EU Code Week in the coming months. Here are some of the key themes discussed: 

💬 Open Space Discussions 

One of the most inspiring moments of the day was the Open Space Discussions — where participants created their own conversation topics and gathered in small groups to talk, brainstorm, and challenge each other. 

Here’s what stood out: 

• AI in the Classroom: How can teachers guide students in using AI tools ethically and creatively? Groups discussed the need to teach not just how AI works, but why it matters. 

• Supporting Girls in Tech: From mentorship to safe learning spaces, participants shared strategies to engage and empower girls in coding, especially during critical teenage years. 

• Helping Teachers Share More: Many teachers hesitate to showcase their classroom practices. Ideas were shared to build confidence, recognition, and a culture of sharing among educators. 

• Motivation Beyond Certificates: What really drives volunteers? The answer: impact, community, and inspiration. The group explored ways to keep that spark alive through practical resources and peer support. 

• Ministry Involvement: Participants highlighted how government ministries can do more than show up — they can actively co-create solutions with educators on the ground. 

• Cross-border Collaboration: Participants discussed the ways to improve collaboration between the community and discovered the possible links between the regions.  

These conversations didn’t end in Sofia — they sparked lasting connections and practical ideas to take home and try. 

🌍 Glocal Planning & Collaboration: Thinking Big, Acting Local 

In the afternoon, participants took part in “Glocal” planning — blending global inspiration with local action. Countries were grouped into regions to share their priorities, struggles, and success stories. The goal? To learn from each other and find common ground for collaboration. 

 Whether sharing templates, ideas, planning international challenges, or just listening to each other’s challenges, participants left this session energized and ready to build together across borders. 

This meeting was more than just an event — it was a celebration of what’s possible when people come together with a shared mission: to empower every learner, in every corner of Europe, to thrive in a digital world. 

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, policymaker, or student — there’s a place for you in this movement. Join us in making digital education more creative, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone.