Lithuania’s parliament backed removing a constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases. The proposal won 106 votes at its first adoption stage, but needs another vote after at least three months. Supporters link the change to regional security and allied deterrence; the decision does not authorise a particular nuclear deployment.
Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, backed a proposal on 6 October to remove Article 137 of the constitution. The provision prohibits weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory. The first adoption vote passed with 106 votes in favour, 18 against and 6 abstentions. The amendment has another parliamentary stage before it can take effect.[1], [2]
Each adoption vote requires support from at least 94 members of the 141-seat legislature. The two votes must be separated by at least three months. Speaker Juozas Olekas said the final vote could take place on 12 January. That timetable leaves the second vote’s outcome open.[1]
Some opponents called for a referendum. They opposed changing a restriction on allied military activity.[1]
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas linked the proposal to Russia’s war against Ukraine and Lithuania’s security environment. Lithuania borders Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus, and already hosts a German brigade as a NATO member. Conservative politician Laurynas Kasčiūnas argued that the existing provision obstructs visits by NATO aircraft or ships capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The proposed repeal names no specific weapon, deployment date or host facility.[1]
