Lithuania eyes constitutional change to allow nuclear weapons deployment

Lithuania's parliament is set to consider a proposal that could pave the way for nuclear weapons to be stationed on its soil. The amendment targets Article 137 of the Constitution, which currently imposes an absolute ban on both weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases within the country.

Proponents argue that removing this constitutional barrier is crucial for Lithuania's full participation in NATO's collective defense and deterrence system. The proposed change would allow the country to leverage the full potential of NATO's deterrence capabilities, including nuclear weapons, in response to aggression or the threat thereof. This move aims to bolster the credibility of deterrence along NATO's eastern flank.

Currently, Article 137 prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons, regardless of NATO's collective defense needs or the threat posed by Russian aggression. The initiative's proponents point out that no other NATO member state has similar constitutional restrictions, and most do not even have statutory prohibitions on hosting nuclear weapons. Neighboring countries like Latvia, Estonia, and Poland do not have such bans, and Finland recently amended its laws.

President Gitanas Nausėda has discussed the constitutional amendment with parliamentary factions, finding broad agreement on the need for swift protection. However, discussions are ongoing regarding whether the change should be enacted through a parliamentary vote or a national referendum. The initiative gains prominence as the United States considers deploying nuclear weapons in additional European NATO countries, with Eastern European nations, including Poland and the Baltic states, reportedly expressing interest in hosting bases for aircraft and personnel.