EU Justice & Appointments: Malta’s new EU General Court judge, Andria Buhagiar, was selected without a fresh call for applications after earlier candidates failed the EU expert panel, raising questions at the Justice Ministry. Anti-Corruption & EU Funds: Labour deputy leader Alex Agius Saliba was questioned in an EPPO-led probe into alleged fraudulent procurement quotations tied to EU funds, linked to Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta CEO Roderick Zerafa and PM adviser Darryl Farrugia. Border Policy: Malta is among nine Schengen countries allowed to pause full EES rollout, as the entry/exit system continues to cause queues and travel disruption. Public Procurement: WasteServ’s €125m workforce outsourcing contract faces a fierce tender battle with four joint ventures bidding, including groups linked to Frank Cachia and Corinthia. Church Finances: The Archbishop’s Curia recorded a €3.4m deficit in 2025, with spending and subsidies outpacing income, amid renewed scrutiny of a country residence near Buskett. Energy & Investment: A new ranking of southwest Europe’s offshore wind prospects notes Malta has kicked off tendering, but Mediterranean depth may require costlier floating or hybrid solutions.