Story perspectives

Lithuania abolishes Article 137, clearing way for U.S. base

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 12:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Lithuanian parliament voted to abolish Article 137, ending the constitutional ban on foreign military bases.
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said Lithuania will fund a permanent U.S. base.
President Donald Trump said he will consider a permanent U.S. base in Lithuania.
First residential buildings for a 5,000-person German brigade in Rudninkai are completed.
Lithuania will host about 5,000 German troops and civilians by 2027.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 NATO expanded eastward when three former Warsaw Pact states—the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland—formally joined, marking the alliance’s first post-Cold-War enlargement. The move set a precedent for later east-ward steps, and in 2024 Lithuania voted to lift Article 137 and host a German brigade, echoing the 1999 expansion and reinforcing NATO’s forward presence.

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Story summary

Lithuanian parliament voted to abolish Article 137, ending the constitutional ban on foreign military bases.
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said Lithuania will fund a permanent U.S. base.
President Donald Trump said he will consider a permanent U.S. base in Lithuania.
First residential buildings for a 5,000-person German brigade in Rudninkai are completed.
Lithuania will host about 5,000 German troops and civilians by 2027.

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