US, Denmark and Greenland Reach New Security Agreement on Greenland
The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached an agreement aimed at strengthening security on the Arctic island, with the deal expected to expand the US military role while restricting military activity by countries outside the NATO alliance.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Friday, saying it would give Washington broad authority to protect and defend Greenland and the surrounding region.
Trump also said countries considered adversaries of the United States would require US approval for certain sensitive investments in Greenland. He described the arrangement as having no expiry date.
Agreement Stops Short of US Ownership
The agreement does not include Trump’s previous proposal for the United States to acquire Greenland.
Earlier on Friday, Reuters reported that Washington and Copenhagen were nearing an arrangement that would increase the US military presence on the island while falling short of transferring Greenland to American control.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The United States already has extensive rights to operate aircraft and maintain military facilities in Greenland under a 1951 defence agreement.
Trump said the United States would soon increase its military presence on the island. Greenland currently hosts a US Space Force facility in its remote northwest.
Denmark and Greenland Welcome Security Arrangement
The office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would contribute to stronger security in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement takes Greenland’s interests into account and recognises the island’s role in international cooperation.
However, several details of the arrangement remained unclear on Friday, including whether the agreement would result in the construction of additional US military bases.
New Restrictions on Military Presence
A US State Department official, speaking anonymously while discussing the agreement’s details, said the arrangement would prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland.
The official also said that only the United States and its allies would be permitted to make certain unspecified sensitive investments on the island.
According to the official, the agreement provides the United States with permanent access, basing and overflight rights in Greenland.
The official further said those provisions would remain in place even if Greenland eventually becomes independent from Denmark.
Greenland’s Future Status Remains Sensitive
The agreement comes against the backdrop of Greenland’s long-standing aspirations for greater autonomy and eventual independence.
The island’s residents have previously expressed opposition to efforts by outside powers to assert greater control over Greenland.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement addresses Washington’s national security concerns regarding Greenland and described the island as a permanent part of North America’s strategic defence area.
Details of the Deal Still Emerging
The full scope of the agreement was not immediately clear, particularly regarding future US military infrastructure and the precise limits on foreign investment.
Imran Bayoumi, a former Pentagon official now affiliated with the Atlantic Council, said the arrangement could give Washington additional options, while noting that many of the objectives could potentially have been pursued through diplomatic engagement.
The agreement is expected to be formally signed next week, according to the Danish prime minister’s office.
