Draft Treaty establishing the European Union

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Part Three INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

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Article 23 Majorities in the Council of the Union

Article 23 Majorities in the Council of the Union

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1. The Council shall vote by a simple majority, i.e. a majority of the weighted votes cast, abstentions not counted.

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2. Where expressly specified by this Treaty, the Council shall vote:

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(a) either by an absolute majority, i.e.  by a majority of the weighted votes cast, abstentions not counted, comprising at least half of the representations;

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(b) or by a qualified majority, i.e.  by a majority of two-thirds of the weighted votes cast, abstentions not counted, comprising a majority of the representations. On the second reading of the budget, the qualified majority required shall be a majority of three-fifths of the weighted votes cast, abstentions not counted, comprising a majority of the representations;

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(c) or by unanimity of representations, abstentions not counted.

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3. During a transitional period of 10 years, where a representation invokes a vital national interest which is jeopardized by the decision to be taken and recognized as such by the Commission, the vote shall be postponed so that the matter may be re-examined. The grounds for requesting a postponement shall be published.

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