Lithuania's parliament backs constitutional amendment to lift WMD ban
The move clears the way for NATO nuclear deterrence arrangements but faces opposition over foreign military bases.
What to know
- Lithuania's parliament voted 99–13 to advance a constitutional amendment repealing the ban on weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases, clearing the path for NATO nuclear deterrence arrangements.
- The amendment requires two more parliamentary votes—scheduled for October 6 and January 12—with at least three months between votes to proceed.
- Supporters frame the change as necessary to avoid obstacles to NATO's nuclear deterrence; opponents warn of propaganda risks and question the inclusion of the foreign bases provision.
“Removing the restriction would not mean Lithuania intended to deploy nuclear weapons but would remove a constitutional restriction on NATO's nuclear deterrence arrangements.”
Laurynas Kasciunas, Leader, Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats · Anadolu Agency ↗
Remigijus Motuzas Chairman, Seimas Foreign Affairs CommitteeLaurynas Kasciunas Leader, Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian DemocratsRemigijus Zemaitaitis Leader, Nemunas Dawn factionIgnas Vegele Independent lawmakerJuozas Olekas Speaker, Lithuanian Seimas
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts
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upcoming
First final adoption vote scheduled — The amendment is set to receive its first final adoption vote on October 6, with the final vote planned for January 12.
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Lithuania's Seimas votes to advance WMD ban repeal
Parliament voted 99–13, with 5 abstentions, in favor of advancing a constitutional amendment to remove the ban on weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases from Article 137 of the Constitution.
“Lithuania must not create obstacles to NATO's nuclear deterrence.”
— Remigijus Motuzas -
1 outlet Lithuania’s parliament votes to remove ban on hosting nuclear weapons in first of three votes
first by Meduza EN, 1d ago
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first by Anadolu Agency, 1d ago
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Lithuania's parliament has advanced a constitutional amendment to remove the country's ban on weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and foreign military bases (Article 137). The measure passed the consideration stage 99–13, with 5 abstentions. This is not
2 more of the top 3 · 4 posts in this stretch
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# Lithuania 's parliament supported removing the constitutional ban on deploying # weapons of mass destruction and hosting foreign military bases, which would allow # NATO to station and deploy # nuclear weapons in the country. https://www. lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3…
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Lithuania’s parliament voted to remove from the Constitution the article banning the stationing of nuclear weapons on its territory, according to LRT. https:// meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/22/l ithuania-s-parliament-votes-to-remove-ban-on-hosting-nuclear-weapons-in-first-of-three-votes
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background
Opposition raises concerns about foreign bases and propaganda risks — Opponents questioned the constitutional necessity of the amendment and expressed concerns that removing the foreign military bases restriction could be exploited for Russian and Belarusian propaganda. Independent lawmaker Ignas Vegele specifically questioned why the foreign bases provision was included in the amendment.
What people are saying 2 voices from 2 sites · best of 5 · verbatim
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Lithuania Votes to Remove Ban on Foreign Military Bases And WMD — UNITED24 Media https://www. byteseu.com/2388750/ # Lithuania
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⚡️BREAKING: Parliament of Lithuania approves amendment that would allow nuclear weapons to be deployed Lithuania’s Seimas voted to amend the Constitution, which would lift the ban on deploying weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, on the country’s territory.