The European Council, acting by unanimity on a proposal by one third of the Member States or by the Commission and after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, may determine the existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2, after inviting the Member State in question to submit its observations.
Féadfaidh an Chomhairle Eorpach, ag gníomhú di d'aontoil ar thogra ó thrian den a Ballstáit nó ón gCoimisiún Eorpach agus tar éis toiliú Pharlaimint na hEorpa a fháil, a shuíomh go bhfuil sárú tromchúiseach leanúnach á dhéanamh ag Ballstát arna luachanna dá dtagraítear ag Airteagal 2, tar éis iarraidh ar an mBallstát i gceist a bharúlacha a thíolacadh.