Education & Inclusion: PN says it’s “unacceptable” to start another school year with a shortage of Learning Support Educators, while the MUT warns student support services staff still lack a renewed collective agreement, leaving vacancies and weaker support. Hospitals Concession Fallout: Steward Malta has been ordered to pay €154,072 in unpaid hospital catering bills for Gozo General and Karin Grech hospitals, with the court rejecting attempts to shift responsibility. Women’s Safety: Malta Women’s Lobby calls for urgent action after the second femicide in six weeks, pointing to gaps flagged by GREVIO and urging stronger risk checks and safeguards around bail. EU Policy & Mobility: Malta is among countries reporting difficulties with the EU’s Entry/Exit System rollout, raising concerns about glitches triggering false overstay accusations. Defence in the EU: EU ministers approved five joint defence projects, with Ukraine included in most; Malta is listed as staying out of the drone/counter-drone coalition. Research & Innovation: Xjenza Malta announced €1.7m in new thematic funding opportunities to back research and innovation priorities.