Brussels, 07/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission formally authorised Pascal Lamy to modify the "everything but arms" initiative in view of simplifying its adoption by the Council of Ministers. The hope, also held by the Swedish Presidency, is to get the "go ahead" from the EU 15 as of the end of the month (during the General Affairs Council on 26 February), to be able to rapidly make concrete this plan to open the Union markets to all products - except arms - imported from the 48 poorest countries on the planet. Mr Lamy should use the margin for manoeuvre he now officially has to take into account the concerns expressed by several Member States for the sugar, rice and banana markets, by conceding to them a sensibly filled-out transition provision (see EUROPE of 17 and 18 January).