Energy & Competitiveness: Malta Employers says the recent electricity outages are a symptom of wider infrastructure strain, calling for coordinated long-term planning and investment to protect growth and competitiveness. Financial Crime Oversight: The MFSA published its Financial Crime Compliance Strategy 2026, setting a risk- and outcomes-focused supervisory framework aligned with evolving EU AML/CFT rules and the creation of AMLA. Construction & Permits: The ERA is set to decide whether Hili Group can remove about 800 trees in Comino and restart works; HV Hospitality disputes the figure and says most trees will be transplanted, while NGOs warn of irreversible damage. Tourism & Community Impact: Malta’s tourism debate stays heated as residents in Swieqi, St Julian’s and Sliema complain about noise and anti-social behaviour linked to short lets, arguing visitor growth must not override residents’ safety. Aviation & Logistics: Network Aviation Group reports positive H1 results, citing shifts in cargo demand after Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Screen Industry Support: Malta’s Screen Support Scheme backed 31 local audiovisual projects with €2.88m across writing, development, shorts, features and TV cultural programmes. Gambling Policy: Malta is among countries pushing back against an EU bid to tax online gambling, arguing the levy would hit a small market disproportionately. EU Defence Neutrality: A new look at neutrality highlights how Austria, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus are adapting their non-alignment stances as the EU retools its defence posture. Business & Finance: GlobalFoundries posted strong Q2 results and flagged a $300m US Commerce award push for silicon photonics.