3. From 1 January 1996, the Council shall adopt the decisions referred to in  paragraph 1 by a qualified majority. The Council shall, before that date, acting by a  qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the  European Parliament, adopt measures relating to a uniform format for visas.

4. In the areas referred to in this Article, the Commission shall examine any request  made by a Member State that it submit a proposal to the Council.

5. This Article shall be without prejudice to the exercise of the responsibilities  incumbent upon the Member States with regard to the maintenance of law and order  and the safeguarding of internal security.

6. This Article shall apply to other areas if so decided pursuant to Article K. 9 of the  provisions of the Treaty on European Union which relate to cooperation in the fields  of justice and home affairs, subject to the voting conditions determined at the same  time.

7. The provisions of the conventions in force between the Member States governing  areas covered by this Article shall remain in force until their content has been  replaced by directives or measures adopted pursuant to this Article.

Article l00d ( * )

( * ) As inserted by Article G( 24 ) TEU.

The Coordinating Committee consisting of senior officials set up by Article K. 4 of  the Treaty on European Union shall contribute, without prejudice to the provisions of  Article 151, to the preparation of the proceedings of the Council in the fields  referred to in Article l00c.

Article 101

Where the Commission finds that a difference between the provisions laid down by  law, regulation or administrative action in Member States is distorting the conditions  of competition in the common market and that the resultant distortion needs to be  eliminated, it shall consult the Member States concerned.

If such consultation does not result in an agreement eliminating the distortion in  question, the Council shall, on a proposal from the Commission, acting unanimously  during the first stage and by a qualified majority there after, issue the necessary  directives. The Commission and the Council may take any other appropriate  measures provided for in this Treaty.

Article 102

1. Where there is a reason to fear that the adoption or amendment of a provision laid  down by law, regulation or administrative action may cause distortion within the  meaning of Article 101, a Member State desiring to proceed therewith shall consult  the Commission. After consulting the Member States, the Commission shall  recommend to the States concerned such measures as may be appropriate to avoid  the distortion in question.

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