The proposal requires two additional parliamentary votes, spaced three months apart, to finalize the constitutional change. This legislative push aligns with a broader European pivot toward enhanced nuclear deterrence, fueled by concerns over the reliability of traditional security guarantees. Remigijus Motuzas, chair of the foreign affairs committee, spearheaded the initiative alongside 50 other MPs, arguing that the current geopolitical climate necessitates a more aggressive defense posture.
Lithuania moves to amend constitution to allow nuclear deployment
With 99 votes in favor, the Lithuanian parliament has initiated a constitutional amendment to scrap long-standing prohibitions against foreign military bases and nuclear weapons. The move signals a sharp shift in Baltic security strategy, directly challenging the regional status quo amidst escalating tensions with neighboring Russia and Belarus.
Lithuania’s proximity to the heavily militarized Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus serves as the primary driver for this policy reversal. The shift mirrors discussions in other European capitals, where leaders are exploring expanded nuclear umbrellas and increased strategic autonomy. Parliamentary speaker Juozas Olekas has publicly championed the necessity of these measures, suggesting that current security threats leave little room for traditional neutrality or self-imposed restrictions on deterrent capabilities.
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