Wed 23 September 2026:
The United States will have broader military access in Greenland and permission to create new defense sites under a pact signed Tuesday by Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk.
The deal, concluded on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, updates and adds to the 1951 Defense Agreement on Greenland and contains no expiration date.
The document, shared by the Danish Foreign Ministry, said the parties share an interest in allowing the US military access to Greenland to the extent necessary to defend Greenland, the North Atlantic Treaty area and the American continent, “including through establishment of a Golden Dome defense system.”
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It also wants stronger NATO engagement in the Arctic, including in “planning, presence, exercises, and joint intelligence gathering.”
The US “shall be allowed to modernize and expand its activities” at Pituffik Space Base and establish additional defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, with technical details to be mutually agreed.
The deal also said US contracts for goods and services related to the establishment, maintenance and servicing of defense areas should be awarded to Greenlandic companies “to the maximum extent possible,” taking into account their capabilities and feasibility.
Washington may also propose additional defense areas or strengthened military operations and facilities. Implementation would be subject to consultations and mutual agreement among the parties.
Additionally, the deal grants US forces “the right of free access to and movement between” defense areas through Greenland by land, air and sea. US aircraft may fly above and land anywhere in Greenland, while American public vessels may have undersea access to its territorial waters, except as mutually agreed.
The document stresses that the rights must be exercised in a manner that respects “the Greenlandic society and the Greenlandic way of life,” including hunting, fishing and other traditional activities.
The parties also agreed to “work together to counter espionage in Greenland,” while Denmark committed to continuing to strengthen its security posture in the Arctic.
“No state that is not a member of NATO” may establish its own military installations or maintain a persistent military presence in Greenland unless otherwise agreed, according to the deal.
It also restricts states or investors from countries outside NATO, NATO partner countries and the EU from gaining control or significant influence in sensitive sectors where it could threaten national security or public order. They include critical infrastructure and resource extraction.
Although Trump said before the signing that the deal gives the US “permanent control over security and all other needs” in Greenland, the agreement reaffirms “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark” and recognizes the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination under international law.
If Greenland becomes independent, Denmark and Greenland shall ensure that the new state agrees to “remain in NATO,” apply for membership if necessary, and assumes the rights and obligations of Denmark under the deal, as well as the defense arrangements.
The agreement will take effect following the completion of the parliamentary procedures by Denmark and Greenland, according to the deal.
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