EU Migration Overhaul: The EU’s Migration Pact kicks in on Friday, introducing tougher border checks, faster asylum processing for “security risks” and low-protection nationalities, and a bloc-wide solidarity model that lets states relocate asylum seekers or pay €20,000 per person—while rights groups warn it will mean longer detention, including for children. Malta’s Fiscal Watch: The EU Council closes Malta’s excessive deficit procedure after Malta’s deficit stays durably below 3% of GDP, ending enhanced scrutiny for the country. EES Airport Chaos: As the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rolls out, UK travellers are warned of up to six-hour queues at major European airports, with airlines and IATA saying processing times could jump sharply and vary by country readiness. Smart City Hospital Deadlines: A court revokes the land concession for the proposed Smart City St Ioannes Paulus II Hospital after a default over €4.7m, effectively ending a project once promoted by Joseph Muscat’s administration. Tourism & Policy: WTTC’s Global Summit heads to Valletta in October, with Travel & Tourism forecast to contribute US$4.9bn to Malta’s economy in 2026 and support 72,200 jobs. Local Planning: Malta Development Association president Michael Stivala files a new Gżira hotel application seeking to sanction an extra floor allegedly built illegally and link it to an adjacent conference hall.