Lithuania is considering removing its constitutional prohibition on nuclear weapons as NATO members reassess their defence strategies amid heightened tensions with Russia. The proposal reflects a broader debate across Europe over deterrence, alliance commitments and regional security.
Lithuanian lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment that would remove the country's long-standing prohibition on hosting nuclear weapons, marking a significant shift in the Baltic nation's defence policy. The proposal follows calls from President Gitanas Nauseda, who has described the existing restriction as outdated in light of Europe's changing security environment.
The amendment has been backed by 51 members of Lithuania's 141-seat parliament, enough to formally register the proposal. If adopted, it would repeal Article 137 of the Lithuanian Constitution, which currently prohibits weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory. Supporters argue the change is necessary to respond to what they describe as an increasing threat from Russia, a characterisation Moscow has repeatedly rejected.
President Says Restriction Is Obsolete
President Gitanas Nauseda has urged lawmakers to remove what he called an "outdated" constitutional provision, arguing Lithuania should not limit its future defence options.
Following a meeting with parliamentary faction leaders, Nauseda said there was broad agreement that Article 137 should be removed rather than simply amended.
He argued that Lithuania has become one of the few NATO members maintaining a self-imposed prohibition on hosting nuclear weapons and pointed to neighbouring Finland, which recently lifted its own restrictions to allow nuclear weapons to be imported, manufactured, stored and deployed if required.
NATO's Eastern Flank Under Review
The proposal comes amid wider discussions within NATO regarding nuclear deterrence in Eastern Europe.
According to reports cited by RT, the United States has been considering the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons to additional NATO member states along the alliance's eastern flank. Several countries bordering Russia, including the Baltic states, have publicly expressed interest in hosting such weapons.
The debate also coincides with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's repeated calls for member nations to adopt what he has described as a "wartime mindset" as Europe continues to strengthen its defence posture.
Moscow Rejects Threat Claims
Russia has consistently denied allegations that it intends to attack NATO member states, describing such claims as politically motivated and used to justify expanded military deployments near its borders.
Moscow has also warned that any NATO nuclear infrastructure positioned closer to Russian territory would be viewed as a direct military threat requiring an appropriate response.
At the same time, Russian officials have maintained they remain open to dialogue with NATO, provided discussions are conducted on what they describe as an equal footing.
Regional Tensions Continue To Rise
The report notes that military rhetoric has continued to escalate across the region.
Lithuanian Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas recently suggested that Russia's Kaliningrad exclave could become a military target in the event of a NATO-Russia conflict. Meanwhile, the Baltic states have continued expanding military spending, purchasing new weapons systems and participating in joint exercises near Russian and Belarusian borders.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand has maintained one of the world's strongest anti-nuclear policies since the 1980s. The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 prohibits nuclear explosive devices within New Zealand's nuclear-free zone and forms a central pillar of the country's independent foreign policy.
Lithuania's proposal highlights the different security challenges faced by NATO members bordering Russia compared with New Zealand's strategic environment in the South Pacific. While some European nations are reconsidering long-standing restrictions on nuclear weapons in response to regional security concerns, New Zealand continues to maintain its nuclear-free stance and remains committed to nuclear disarmament as a cornerstone of its defence and foreign policy.
For New Zealanders, the debate serves as a reminder that nuclear deterrence and collective defence remain central issues in Europe, while New Zealand continues to pursue a markedly different approach based on its long-standing nuclear-free legislation and international advocacy for arms control.
Source
Original Article: EU nation moves to lift nuclear weapons ban
Publisher: RT