14/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday at first reading, according to codecision procedure, the European Parliament gave its opinion on the proposal of directive establishing harmonised procedures for the loading and unloading of bulk carriers. It adopted amendments by its rapporteur Rijk van Dam, Dutch member of the Europe of Democracies and Diversities Group, which are along the lines of strengthening the directive (see EUROPE of 10 February, p.13). The plenary also adopted an amendment by Belgian Liberal Dirk Sterckx, tending to clarify the notion of "relevant authority" empowered by national legislation to implement this directive. The precise amendment specifies that it is important for the relevant authority not to have any commercial interest in the terminal for loading or offloading bulk cargoes. During the brief debate, on Monday evening, Commissioner Loyola de Palacio said that the EP's amendments are largely acceptable for the European Commission.