Lithuania Offers to Fund a Permanent U.S. Military Base Amid Constitutional Hurdles

Lithuania has hosted a rotational U.S. force since 2014, typically about 1,000 soldiers arriving and departing in overlapping cycles. The presence grew after NATO’s eastern-flank reinforcement following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Lithuania’s 1992 constitution contains Article 137, which bars “foreign military bases” and the stationing of weapons of mass destruction. In October 2026 the Seimas advanced the first of two votes needed to amend this provision; a second vote and presidential approval are required by January 12. The amendment would also remove the ban on NATO nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil.

Lithuania tells America to move in

On Oct 5, 2026 President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States would “certainly look at” establishing a permanent base in Lithuania. The following day, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius announced that Vilnius is prepared to cover the financial costs of such a base, stating that the decision rests with U.S. political leaders.

The Straits TimesLithuania Offers to Pay for Permanent U.S. Base Despite Current Constitutional Ban New Tang DynastyAnother permanent US military base in Europe? 'We are ready to cover the maintenance costs' Trump floated the possibility of establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Lithuania Lithuania tells America to move in

• U.S. troops in Lithuania rotate in a battalion-size element, roughly 1,000 service members.

Lithuania tells America to move in

• Lithuania’s 2025 defence budget amounted to 5.38 % of GDP; the government intends to keep spending at least 5 % this year.

Another permanent US military base in Europe? 'We are ready to cover the maintenance costs'

• A German brigade slated for Rudninkai will host about 5,000 German troops and civilians by 2027.

Lithuania tells America to move in

President Trump emphasized personal rapport with Lithuanians, noting “they are great people” while pledging to consider the request. officials to make a political decision so Lithuania can finance the base. The Pentagon is conducting a six-month review of U.S. force posture in Europe, expected to conclude in December, which may shift conventional defence responsibilities to NATO allies. Senior defence analyst Bradley Bowman (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) argued that a permanent presence would reinforce deterrence against Russian aggression.

The Hill

Sources differ slightly on the size of the current U.S. contingent: some describe it as “almost 1,000” troops, others as “around 1,000,” and a few note “over a thousand” soldiers. No source provides a definitive, up-to-date headcount, leaving the exact figure unclear.

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• The Pentagon’s force-posture review is slated to finish in December.

Lithuania Offers to Pay for Permanent U.S. Base Despite Current Constitutional Ban

• The Seimas will hold its second and final vote on the constitutional amendment on Jan 12.

Lithuania Offers to Pay for Permanent U.S. Base Despite Current Constitutional Ban

• Lithuania assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan 1, with security and defence cited as priority areas.

Lithuania tells America to move in

• “I’m glad that this idea is being taken seriously... This is a critically important guarantee of deterrence and security,” — Mindaugas Sinkevicius, lithuanian prime minister

The Straits Times

• “We will definitely consider it. I know many people in Lithuania. They are wonderful people,” — Donald Trump, US president

Another permanent US military base in Europe? 'We are ready to cover the maintenance costs'

• “As our Baltic allies have warned for many years, the only thing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin respects is hard power, and that is why conditions-ignoring American military withdrawals from Europe are so ill-advised, especially when we see growing Russian aggression,” — Bradley Bowman

The Hill

• “Lithuania … I know so many people in that country,” — Donald Trump, US president

New Tang Dynasty

• “We would like to actually have the American troops … with a permanent stationing,” — Mindaugas Sinkevicius, lithuanian prime minister

New Tang Dynasty