E-commerce Customs Clash: MEP Alex Agius Saliba has urged the EU Trade Commissioner to review the new €3 surcharge on low-value parcels from outside the EU, arguing it hits Malta’s remote market harder and raises prices where competition is already limited. Digital Identity Push: Malta’s Digital Innovation Authority has launched a €15.6m tender to deliver a fully compliant EU Digital Identity Wallet, aiming to let residents prove identity, verify age, store documents and sign paperwork across member states. Air Travel Shock: US investigators will lead the probe into a Malta Air Ryanair flight where a window shattered after takeoff and a passenger was partly sucked out before being pulled back; the NTSB says the incident occurred in Greek airspace. EU Migration & Work Pressure: Eurostat reports the EU population reached 452m on 1 Jan 2026, with growth driven mainly by migration, while Malta’s own demographic strain is highlighted in PwC’s update warning of urgent infrastructure needs. Local Governance & Housing: Malta’s Planning Authority moves to sanction Manoel Island’s illegal commercial padel complex, drawing political backlash over promises to turn the site into a national park. Business Leadership: Bentley Trust (Malta) has appointed Emily Burgess as CEO, following Malcolm Becker’s stepping down after decades in the sector. EU Legal Action: The European Commission has started infringement proceedings against 17 member states, including Malta, for incomplete transposition of the revised single permit rules. Airline Cost Cuts: Aer Lingus plans to cut up to 500 jobs and axe three US routes, with capacity reductions tied to tougher competition and a challenging outlook.