Denmark confirms US-Greenland security pact, rules out sovereignty transfer

Denmark and Greenland have confirmed a planned security agreement with the United States, affirming that it will not infringe upon the sovereignty of Denmark or the right to self-determination of Greenlanders. The US president Donald Trump had previously suggested the pact would grant Washington "permanent control" over Greenland's security. The agreement is expected to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, pending national parliamentary procedures in Denmark.

The accord would enable the US to establish a substantial military footprint on Greenland, while preventing adversaries from setting up bases on the island. However, specific details such as the extent of the US military presence and any formal authority Washington may gain over foreign policy or resources remain undetermined. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the impending agreement, stating it would benefit collective security and the country's development.

He emphasized that the pact respects Denmark's sovereignty and the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also endorsed the deal, asserting that it would bolster security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. She highlighted that the agreement strengthens common security among NATO and Europe, all while upholding Denmark's red lines. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed optimism, saying that next week could mark a turning point, leading to a binding agreement that enhances security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, thereby bolstering NATO and European security.

US President Trump, however, presented the arrangement on a broader scale, emphasizing that the United States would have "forever" the complete capacity to undertake necessary actions in Greenland to ensure security and defense for both Greenland and the US. He clarified that the deal "gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland," but explicitly ruled out bases, military presence, or any sensitive investments by adversaries without US approval.

The agreement follows months of tension stemming from Trump's threats to seize Greenland, which strained relations with Denmark and raised concerns within NATO, which hailed the pact as a step towards advancing security, stability, and cooperation in the region.