US President Donald Trump has announced a new security agreement involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland.
Trump said the agreement gives Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security and other security-related needs.
However, Denmark and Greenland say the deal does not transfer sovereignty to the United States.
The agreement is expected to allow the US to significantly expand its military presence on the strategically important Arctic island.
Greenland Will Remain Under Danish Sovereignty
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Copenhagen remains responsible for areas including defence and parts of foreign policy.
Greenland also has extensive authority over its domestic affairs.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the proposed agreement recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Danish Kingdom.
He also stressed Greenlanders’ right to determine their own future.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the agreement must respect Denmark’s stated “red lines”.
He said the proposed deal could strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while maintaining Denmark’s sovereignty.
US Could Expand Military Presence
Trump has said Washington will have the ability to take necessary measures to secure and defend Greenland and the United States.
The agreement reportedly allows the US to develop a larger military presence at suitable locations across Greenland.
The United States already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland.
The base supports missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance operations for the US and NATO.
The new agreement could provide Washington with greater military access and potentially allow additional facilities to be developed.
Russia and China Face Restrictions
Another major element of the proposed arrangement concerns the presence of US strategic rivals.
Trump said adversaries would not be allowed to establish military bases or maintain a military presence in Greenland without written US approval.
The agreement is also intended to prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases on the island.
The reported restrictions are particularly relevant to US concerns over Russia and China’s activities in the Arctic.
Deal Still Requires Approval
Despite Trump’s announcement, the agreement has not yet been fully implemented.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland are expected to formally sign the pact during next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland is still required before the agreement can take effect.
Several important details have also not been made public.
It remains unclear exactly how large the expanded US military presence will be.
The available information also does not establish whether Washington would receive any formal authority over Greenland’s foreign policy or natural resources.
Agreement Follows Months of Tension
The announcement follows months of tension between Washington and Copenhagen over Greenland.
Trump had repeatedly argued that Greenland was strategically important to US national security.
His administration has focused on the island’s Arctic location, military significance, emerging shipping routes and access to critical minerals.
Denmark and Greenland had repeatedly rejected any proposal to transfer ownership of the territory.
The new agreement therefore represents a shift toward a security arrangement rather than a transfer of sovereignty.
NATO has welcomed the agreement, saying it could strengthen security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic region.
For now, the central distinction remains clear: Trump describes the agreement as giving the US permanent security control, while Denmark and Greenland maintain that sovereignty remains with the Kingdom of Denmark. The full terms will become clearer if and when the agreement is formally signed and approved.
