Lithuania weighs ending constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction

Lithuania is weighing the possibility of removing a constitutional provision that prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on its territory, following remarks by the country's incoming prime minister.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of Lithuania's Social Democratic Party (LSDP), said the constitutional restriction should be removed rather than revised. 

"It seems to me that, politically, it would be more appropriate simply to remove this article, because the constitutions of our neighboring countries say nothing on this issue—neither yes nor no. There is hardly any need to formulate anything," Sinkevičius was quoted as saying by LRT during a meeting with parliamentary faction members.

Lithuania's Constitution currently stipulates that neither weapons of mass destruction nor foreign military bases may be stationed on the country's territory. According to Sinkevičius, lawmakers could either amend the relevant constitutional chapter or remove it altogether. 

The debate comes after Finland lifted its own prohibition on the deployment of nuclear weapons.

In early June, Lithuanian National Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Vilnius and Washington were engaged in discussions over the possible deployment of US nuclear weapons in Lithuania.

The issue gained further momentum in May, when Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed legislation that would have permitted vessels carrying nuclear weapons to enter Lithuanian territorial waters, provided such access did not conflict with national security interests. The veto subsequently intensified domestic discussions over possible constitutional amendments.

By Vafa Guliyeva