Research & Innovation Funding: Xjenza Malta is rolling out €1.7m in thematic research and innovation opportunities aimed at tackling national priorities and emerging sector needs. EU Energy Market: The European Commission has opened infringement cases against 18 states, including Malta, over failure to fully enact energy-sharing and consumer rules under the electricity market reform. Defence & Industry: EU defence ministers have named the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest, covering drones, maritime/seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and eastern-flank surveillance, with major industrial coalition ambitions. Shipping & Ports: Malta’s shipping deputy minister is heading to Brussels for talks on the future of European shipping and ports, focusing on competitiveness, fleet renewal and decarbonisation. Tourism Data & AI: Malta Tourism Authority has launched a public AI Tourism Platform combining MTA Traveller Survey insights with NSO inbound tourism statistics for easier, data-driven decision-making. Power Reliability: Malta’s government compensation scheme for July–August heatwave power cuts is being framed as necessary, but not a substitute for faster resilience planning. Workforce Support: The Malta Union of Teachers says student support services staff still lack a renewed collective agreement, leaving vacancies and turnover affecting schools. Maritime Safety: Liberia and India launched a new UN-backed Group of Friends platform to boost safety and security for shipping and seafarers, with Malta among participating countries.