European Parliament
De Rossa (PSE ).
Mr President, purgatory is just as painful as hell, but you do not stay there permanently – I am told.
The key issue here is the self-handling at EU ports. As somebody who comes from an island Member State which exports 90% of its production, I am deeply concerned at the lack of mandatory authorisation included in this directive. It must be painful for the Commissioner and Mr Jarzembowski to see such wide-ranging opposition to this proposal as there is here today. However, they should withdraw this proposal, return to the drawing-board and ensure there is mandatory self-handling which would provide for prior authorisation and would include criteria relating to employment, the social aspects, professional qualifications and environmental considerations. There is no way around this. Therefore I appeal to you to show common sense and return to the drawing-board.

