The Council, meeting in the composition of the Heads of State or Government and acting by unanimity on a proposal by one third of the Member States or by the Commission and after obtaining the assent of the European Parliament, may determine the existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of principles mentioned in Article 6(1), after inviting the government of the Member State in question to submit its observations.
Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, ag teacht le chéile di i dtionól na gCeannairí Stáit nó Rialtais agus ag gníomhú di d'aon toil ar thogra ó thrian de na Ballstáit nó ón gCoimisiún agus tar éis aontú Pharlaimint na hEorpa a fháil, a shuíomh go bhfuil sárú tromchúiseach leanúnach á dhéanamh ag Ballstát ar phrionsabail atá luaite in Airteagal 6(1), tar éis iarraidh ar rialtas an Bhallstáit i gceist a bharúlacha a thíolacadh.