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Lithuania’s top politicians have agreed to reassess the country’s constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons, in response to mounting security threats on NATO’s eastern flank. According to a report by German daily BILD, the decision was made amidst deteriorating geopolitical relations between Russia and the Western alliance.
President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized the importance of reconsidering Lithuania’s nuclear-free status, pointing out that the country is, in effect, the only NATO member with its own self-imposed nuclear ban. This stance has drawn attention following Finland’s parliament voting to repeal its nuclear-free legislation.
Lithuania’s constitutional amendment requires two separate votes by the Seimas, the country’s unicameral parliament, which must be held at least three months apart. Both votes need the support of at least 94 out of 141 deputies to be successful. This process is likely to spark a heated debate among Lithuanian parliamentarians, with many expected to express their concerns about the potential implications of hosting nuclear weapons on the country’s sovereignty.
The potential relaxation of Lithuania’s nuclear ban could pave the way for the country to host nuclear weapons offered by France, or those from the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron has long offered to deploy nuclear deterrence assets to NATO allies, including those located on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Lithuania’s security concerns have intensified over the past year, amidst rising tensions between NATO and Russia. Moscow’s ongoing military campaigns in Ukraine have raised fears of potential attacks on NATO member states. Lithuania, a key transit point for goods entering Europe from Russia and Belarus, has become increasingly concerned about its own vulnerability to Russian aggression.
In response to these security challenges, Lithuanian politicians have sought to boost the country’s military capabilities and strengthen its defense ties with other NATO allies. While the potential removal of Lithuania’s nuclear ban is sure to spark controversy, the move is seen by many as a necessary step to ensure the country’s security in an increasingly uncertain world.
As Lithuanian lawmakers prepare for the constitutional reform process, the move is expected to send a strong signal to Russia that NATO is committed to defending its eastern flank. The implications of this decision will be closely watched not only by Russia but also by other NATO members.