Lithuania’s parliament has advanced a proposal to remove a constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction, which supporters say would give the country greater flexibility to participate in NATO’s nuclear deterrence plans, local media reported.
Two further votes are required for the approval, each needing the support of at least 94 of parliament’s 141 members.
The proposal would delete Article 137 of the constitution, which bars both weapons of mass destruction and foreign states’ military bases from Lithuanian territory.
Supporters argue that the restriction could limit Lithuania’s participation in allied nuclear deterrence, particularly if NATO partners wished to move nuclear-capable forces through the country.
Opponents questioned whether deleting the whole article was necessary, given that it also addresses foreign military bases, and argued that the change is unnecessary and could be used by Russia and Belarus for propaganda.
Wider Debate on Nuclear Deterrence
The proposed amendment has also brought Vilnius’ role in NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements into focus.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said there are no immediate plans to store nuclear weapons in the country and that Lithuania would remain bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the amendment passes.
The debate comes amid a wider European reassessment of nuclear deterrence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In March, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a plan that could allow elements of France’s strategic air forces to deploy temporarily to allied countries, while Paris would retain control over any use of its nuclear weapons.