Lithuanian Seimas Repeals Ban on Deployment of Nuclear Weapons

The Lithuanian Seimas voted for a proposal to remove from the Constitution the article prohibiting the deployment of nuclear weapons on the country’s territory.

This was reported by Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

During the vote, 99 deputies supported the initiative, 13 opposed it, and 5 abstained.

Remigijus Motuzas, a representative of the Social Democrats, stated that removing this provision from the Constitution should demonstrate to allies and adversaries alike that Lithuania is a full-fledged part of NATO’s nuclear deterrence system.

According to him, Lithuania is currently the only NATO country with a constitutional ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons.

Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution stipulates that neither weapons of mass destruction nor military bases of foreign states may be deployed on the country’s territory.

The proposed amendments would repeal this constitutional restriction.

In the future, Lithuania would be able to consider the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory if required by the defense needs of the country or its allies.

To definitively amend the Constitution, at least 94 out of 141 members of parliament must vote in favor twice.

At least three months must elapse between the votes.

The first vote could take place on October 6, and the second on January 12 of next year.

Back in June, it became known that Lithuania had begun negotiations with the U.S. regarding the potential deployment of American nuclear weapons on its territory. Estonia and France have also begun negotiations regarding a “nuclear umbrella”.