The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have reached a three-way agreement that grants Washington permanent control over security needs in Greenland, according to a joint announcement on Friday. The deal, which will be signed next week during the United Nations General Assembly, includes provisions that prevent adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval.
The agreement comes after months of public discussions and negotiations following repeated statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland’s strategic importance. Under the arrangement, the US will immediately begin developing a larger military presence on the island, with Greenlandic authorities pledged to collaborate on its construction and development.
Key provisions of the agreement
- The US gains permanent control over security and related needs in Greenland.
- No adversary—including China or Russia—can establish a military base or make sensitive investments in Greenland without explicit US approval.
- The US will expand its military footprint on the island, with Greenlandic participation in the development process.
- The agreement is described as cost-neutral for the US and does not transfer sovereignty over Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland confirm the deal’s intent
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the agreement strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while upholding Greenland’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the deal beneficial for all three parties, emphasizing its recognition of Greenland’s interests and role in international cooperation.
Frederiksen also noted that the agreement must undergo parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland before taking effect. The Danish government has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale, and the EU has previously rebuked Trump’s earlier attempts to acquire the territory.
US claims and Greenland’s role
Trump framed the agreement as an "infinite life" deal that addresses longstanding US security concerns. He asserted that the US will have "the complete ability to do what is necessary" to secure both Greenland and the United States. The US president also claimed the deal comes at no cost to the American taxpayer and will enhance regional security for NATO allies.
Greenland’s government has emphasized that the agreement does not compromise its autonomy and aligns with its strategic interests. Officials in Nuuk have reiterated that the deal respects Greenland’s place in international cooperation and its right to self-determination.
Background and context
The push for greater US involvement in Greenland follows decades of existing defense cooperation under a 1951 treaty between the US and Denmark. Trump’s administration has increasingly highlighted Greenland’s mineral wealth and Arctic strategic location as key factors in the renewed focus. Earlier this year, the US conducted military exercises in Greenland, and Danish and Greenlandic officials have denied allegations of unauthorized US intelligence-gathering activities.
Next steps
The agreement is scheduled to be signed next week during the UN General Assembly in New York. Both Denmark and Greenland have indicated that legislative ratification will be required before the deal can be fully implemented. Observers note that the process may face political scrutiny in Denmark’s parliament and Greenland’s assembly, where debates over foreign military presence and sovereignty could arise.
The US has not released the full text of the agreement, and further details are expected to emerge during the signing ceremony.