Lithuania to reconsider law allowing entry of nuclear-armed ships into its waters

Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, will on May 19 revisit legislation on the Klaipėda State Seaport, which potentially allows nuclear-armed vessels into its waters.

Lawmakers must decide whether to adopt the law again or declare it rejected, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lithuanian media.

Last week, President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed it, stating that the previously approved version of the legislation could allow ships carrying nuclear weapons to enter Lithuanian territorial waters if this serves national security interests.

Nausėda argued that this conflicts with the country’s Constitution, which prohibits the presence of weapons of mass destruction on Lithuanian territory without exception.

The head of state proposed introducing a full ban on vessels carrying nuclear weapons entering the Klaipėda port.

However, he suggested maintaining an exception for ships with nuclear propulsion systems, provided their presence does not pose a security risk.

Nausėda also proposed postponing the law’s entry into force from June 1 to July 1.

To override the presidential veto and pass the law, at least 71 members of the Seimas must vote in favour.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov