Lithuanian parliamentary committee rejects proposal to ban nuclear-armed ships from Klaipėda port

A Lithuanian parliamentary committee has recommended that lawmakers reject a presidential proposal to ban ships carrying nuclear weapons from entering the port of Klaipėda, state broadcaster LRT reports.

The Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday urged the Seimas (parliament) to reapprove previously adopted amendments to the Klaipėda State Seaport Law, which allow vessels with nuclear weapons to dock if deemed not to threaten national security. President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed the changes last week, arguing they violate Lithuania’s constitutional ban on weapons of mass destruction.

Four committee members voted to uphold the original law without amendments, while two supported the president’s proposed ban. The final decision will be made by the full Seimas in a vote on Thursday.

Committee member Raimundas Šukys of the conservative Aušra party said the Seimas would determine how to proceed with the veto, noting that debates would continue over whether the law conflicts with the constitution. “The discussion will focus on whether the ban applies to the reactor type, the ship’s purpose, or whether such vessels should be prohibited entirely,” he said.

Conservative lawmaker Giedrė Balčytytė proposed upholding the law as passed, rejecting the veto, and referring the matter to the Constitutional Court for clarification. Committee chairman Julius Sabatauskas confirmed that the law would not take effect until the court issues a ruling.

President Nausėda has argued that while NATO allies’ nuclear weapons could serve as a deterrent, any legal use would require amending the constitution. His veto decree stated that the current law creates a loophole allowing nuclear-armed ships into Lithuanian territory, contradicting the constitutional prohibition.

The Seimas will need at least 71 votes—more than half of its members—to override the veto and uphold the original legislation.