EU Court & appointments: Malta’s newly appointed judge at the EU General Court, Andria Buhagiar, was selected without a fresh open call for applications, raising questions about how the government chose her after earlier candidates failed the EU expert panel. Anti-corruption & justice: A Ponzi-style case tied to Maltese Cross Financial Services still has no trial date, while commentary renews calls for a tariff for criminal lawyers’ fees. Church finances: The Archbishop’s Curia recorded a €3.44m deficit in 2025, with spending and subsidies outpacing income, amid renewed scrutiny of the Archbishop’s country residence project. Border policy: Malta is among nine Schengen countries allowed to pause full EES biometric checks, a move that could affect how travellers’ entries are recorded and fuel confusion for passengers. Diplomacy: Malta’s President Myriam Spiteri Debono met China’s Ambassador Zhang Zuo, with both sides highlighting practical cooperation. International spotlight: Malta’s Daphne Caruana Galizia case remains in focus after Yorgen Fenech was acquitted, reigniting debate over justice and press freedom.