Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are planning to sign a security agreement for Greenland during the UN General Assembly in New York. This deal aims to place Arctic security under NATO’s oversight instead of solely under the control of Washington and Copenhagen. Although the specifics of the agreement are not public, President Trump claims it gives the US “permanent control” over Greenland. However, Denmark and Greenland have not confirmed this statement but assert the deal will respect Greenland’s sovereignty and benefit the island.
The agreement comes after months of pressure from Trump, who has stated that the US should have control over Greenland, even suggesting the use of military or economic force to acquire it. This situation created tension among NATO allies and led Denmark and Greenland to negotiate with the US. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that the responsibility for Arctic security will not rest solely on Denmark or the US, but rather be managed by NATO.
It is not clear whether this new agreement will modify a 1951 defense pact that allows US military presence in Greenland. Researchers suggest the current situation is being used to strengthen NATO’s existence through Greenland. The US’s interest in Greenland goes back to World War Two, when it ensured the island stayed out of German hands and established military bases. Past attempts to buy Greenland were rejected by Denmark.
Currently, only one US military base, Pituffik Space Base, remains in Greenland. A NATO spokesperson welcomed the agreement, highlighting its importance for regional security and cooperation. Denmark acknowledges its previous underinvestment in Greenland’s defense and plans to increase its military presence on the island, including NATO troops. Greenland’s government has sought to reassure residents about the agreement, and an opposition lawmaker expressed confidence in the process.
With information from Reuters
