EU Anti-Corruption Push (Bulgaria): Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers backed a new corruption drive, with officials saying hundreds of procurement-related reports are being reviewed and front-company patterns are under scrutiny, including claims about flights and aircraft use tied to political figures. Malta EU Funds Probe (Labour): Malta’s Labour deputy leader Alex Agius Saliba was questioned in an EPPO-led probe into EU funds procurement, with police looking at whether quotations linked to a local company were false or fraudulent; all three suspects deny wrongdoing. Maritime Cybersecurity (US): The FBI and US Coast Guard boarded Texas-bound oil tankers after cyberattacks disrupted communications and affected ship systems; Iran is reportedly possibly behind the incidents. Western Mediterranean Defence: Libya hosted “SEABORDER 2026” with Algeria, France and Italy under the 5+5 Defence Initiative, which also includes Malta. EU Border Rules (EES): The UK reiterated visa-free Schengen travel for 29 countries for up to 90 days in 180, while EU entry/exit system rollouts continue to face delays across member states. Energy Prices (EU): Diesel rose faster than petrol across the EU, with Malta’s pump prices held steady via subsidies. Sports & Identity (Football): Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks chose Germany U-21, potentially ending his USMNT pathway. Transport Malta (Local Governance): A senior Transport Malta officer was suspended over alleged roster/overtime irregularities linked to Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett’s canvassing.