Lithuanian Parliament to Consider Lifting Ban on Nuclear Weapons Deployment
The Lithuanian Seimas has agreed to consider a constitutional amendment removing the prohibition on hosting nuclear weapons, with 89 MPs voting in favor. President Nausėda signaled readiness to join NATO's nuclear deterrence amid the Ukraine war, though no immediate deployment plans exist.
Parliament Votes to Debate Amendment
On Tuesday, the Lithuanian Seimas voted 89-11 with six abstentions to consider a bill that would remove from the constitution the current ban on stationing nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil. The proposal was announced by President Gitanas Nausėda during a visit to Berlin last week, where he expressed Lithuania's willingness to participate in NATO's nuclear deterrence system in response to Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Nausėda clarified that there are no immediate plans to deploy nuclear weapons in peacetime.
Amendment Process
To change the constitution, the amendment must be approved twice by at least 94 of 141 MPs, with at least three months between votes. The substantive debate is scheduled for the autumn parliamentary session. The removal of the constitutional prohibition on foreign military bases and weapons of mass destruction is justified by the evolving security threats.
Lithuania's Unique Position
Lithuania is one of the few NATO member states with such constitutional restrictions. "We cannot remain the weak link in the entire deterrence system," said Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas. Members of the ruling coalition, who introduced the bill, stress that lifting the constitutional norm will not affect Lithuania's commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty or other international agreements.
Background of Talks with US
In early June, the Financial Times reported that Vilnius had initiated talks with Washington about deploying US nuclear weapons in Lithuania, amid a reduction of American military presence in Europe. According to FT, the White House is considering placing nuclear warheads in European NATO countries for deterrence against Russia.
