First Parliamentary Vote on Removing Article 137 from Lithuania’s Constitution
On October 6, Lithuania’s Seimas held the initial of two required votes on a proposal to eliminate Article 137 from the Constitution, which currently prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons within the country. The proposal received strong parliamentary backing, with 106 deputies voting in favor, 18 against, and 6 abstaining. The final vote is scheduled for January 12, 2027, following a mandatory three-month interval. To pass the amendment, at least 94 out of 141 parliamentarians must support it.
Motivations Behind the Shift in Defense Policy
Article 137 bans both weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian soil. This constitutional restriction is being reconsidered in response to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and escalating threats from Russia. Notably, Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, and Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, have warned Lithuania of potential nuclear retaliation should it allow nuclear weapons deployment.
Robertas Kaunas, Lithuania’s Minister of Defense, commented on the situation:
“If Russia had not initiated the war in Ukraine, we likely wouldn’t be contemplating these measures today.” — Robertas Kaunas.
This underscores the urgency driving the constitutional amendment, initially approved by the Seimas in its first reading on September 22, 2026, when 99 deputies voted in favor, 13 opposed, and 5 abstained.
The constitutional amendment procedure requires two separate votes spaced by a three-month pause, allowing further parliamentary debate before the final decision next year. Removing Article 137 represents a significant step in Lithuania’s evolving defense strategy amid heightened regional geopolitical tensions.
Altering Article 137 could have wide-reaching implications for regional security architecture given the intensifying threats from Russia. This move not only signals Lithuania’s changing approach to national defense but also its intent to strengthen ties within broader collective security frameworks. Should the amendment be ratified, it may inspire other Eastern European nations to enhance their own military preparedness. Security concerns will remain a central focus in the region as international dynamics continue to evolve rapidly.
The ongoing discussions around Lithuania's defense strategy are crucial, especially in light of recent threats from Russia. As the nation contemplates the implications of removing its constitutional ban on nuclear weapons, it is essential to understand the broader context. For a deeper analysis of how these developments align with NATO's stance and the Kremlin's warnings, read more about Lithuania's potential shift in military policy.