| INTERVIEW. “The EU must be ‘strict’ and set ‘clear conditions’ with the pharmaceutical industry.” Euractiv’s Thomas Mangin sat down with Tilly Metz, the vice-president of the EP’s Health Committee, to learn about her priorities. Don’t fragment the single market. The European Commission has vowed to stop the so-called ‘gold plating’–countries adding national rules on top of European laws–as part of a bid to cut red tape for businesses.
Meanwhile, Commission's plans to withdraw AI Liability Directive draw mixed reactions, writes Euractiv's Anupriya Datta. EP President Roberta Metsola will be in Israel and West Bank today and tomorrow. She will hold talks with the President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as well as the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah. During her visit, she will also meet with released hostages and their families. Same as it ever was? Contacts between NATO and the new Trump administration suggest the two retain the “same priorities” on spending, production and ending the war in Ukraine, the alliance's Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during an interview with Euractiv’s Alexandra Brzozowski. The price of love. Far from the big chains that cater to thousands of tourists on the Grand Place every day, independent Belgian chocolatiers are preparing for Valentine's Day as cocoa prices are reaching record highs, writes Euractiv’s Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro. | 
