Article 6 ( ** )

( ** ) As amended by Article G( 8 ) TEU.

Within the scope of application of this Treaty, and without prejudice to any special provisions contained therein, any discrimination on grounds of nationality shall be  prohibited.

The Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c,  may adopt rules designed to prohibit such discrimination.

Article 7 ( * )

( * ) Articles 7, 7a, 7b and 7c: former Articles 8, 8a, 8b and 8c ( Article G( 9 ) TEU ).

1. The common market shall be progressively established during a transitional  period of 12 years.

This transitional period shall be divided into three stages of four years each; the  length of each stage may be altered in accordance with the provisions set out below.

2. To each stage there shall be assigned a set of actions to be initiated and carried through concurrently.

3. Transition from the first to the second stage shall be conditional upon a finding that the objectives specifically laid down in this Treaty for the first stage have in fact been attained in substance and that, subject to the exceptions and procedures provided for in this Treaty, the obligations have been fulfilled.

This finding shall be made at the end of the fourth year by the Council, acting unanimously on a report from the Commission. A Member State may not, however, prevent unanimity by relying upon the non fulfilment of its own obligations. Failing  unanimity, the first stage shall automatically be extended for one year.

At the end of the fifth year, the Council shall make its finding under the same conditions. Failing unanimity, the first stage shall automatically be extended for a further year.

At the end of the sixth year, the Council shall make its finding, acting by a qualified majority on a report from the Commission.

4. Within one month of the last mentioned vote any Member State which voted with the minority or, if the required majority was not obtained, any Member State shall be entitled to call upon the Council to appoint an arbitration board whose decision shall be binding upon all Member States and upon the institutions of the Community. The arbitration board shall consist of three members appointed by the Council acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission.

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