EU Migration Pact in force: A major EU asylum overhaul starts on Friday, with tougher border screenings (up to seven days), faster processing for people deemed security risks or unlikely to qualify, and accelerated decisions in centres near external borders—while rights groups warn it could mean longer detention, including for children. Malta planning row: In Gżira, Malta Development Association president Michael Stivala has filed a new application for a hotel and is also seeking to regularise an extra floor allegedly built illegally on an adjacent business centre, plus links for a conference hall. Smart City hospital setback: A court has revoked the land concession for the proposed St Ioannes Paulus II hospital at Smart City, ending a project once promoted by former PM Joseph Muscat. Tourism policy spotlight: WTTC’s Global Summit returns to Valletta in October, with Travel & Tourism forecast to contribute US$4.9bn to Malta’s economy in 2026 and support 72,200 jobs. International Malta link: Estonia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta signed a healthcare and aid cooperation deal, including support for Ukraine. Local culture on screen: Alex Camilleri’s film Żejtune, set in Malta, picked up Best Screenplay at Tribeca’s International Narrative Competition.