US and Denmark agree on Greenland’s security after Trump’s threats

Washington and Copenhagen have reached common ground on a new agreement concerning Greenland’s security, easing the diplomatic clash caused by US President Donald Trump’s threats to seize the territory by force.

The agreement comes after months of tension, during which Trump has argued that Greenland is essential to US national security because of its location in the Arctic and its abundant mineral resources.

In a post on his social media network, the US president said the agreement gives the United States “permanent control over the security” of Greenland, as well as the right to take whatever measures are deemed necessary to protect the territory.

Trump also stated that the document prevents any US adversary from maintaining a military presence or making significant investments in Greenland without first obtaining Washington’s explicit written approval.

Denmark confirmed the agreement through Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said it increases security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region.

Frederiksen stressed that the agreement respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, while also recognizing the right of the people of Greenland to self-determination.

According to the Danish prime minister, the agreement is expected to be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week. Before it enters into force, it must be approved through the relevant parliamentary procedures.

The agreement was also welcomed by Greenland’s head of government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. He said the document strengthens the security of Greenland, Denmark and the United States, while also taking the interests of Greenlanders into account.

The full text of the agreement has not yet been published, but a US State Department official has disclosed some of its provisions.

According to the official, the agreement will remain in force even if Greenland declares independence in the future. The United States will be able to build new military facilities without obtaining prior approval from Greenland or Denmark.

The document also provides permanent rights of access, basing and military overflight. Meanwhile, states that are not members of NATO will not be allowed to build military bases on Greenlandic territory.

Another aim of the agreement is to limit investment by states considered US adversaries, particularly in Greenland’s strategic economic sectors. The US official specifically mentioned Russia and China.

The agreement was reached after a prolonged period of clashes between Washington and Copenhagen. For months, Trump has demanded that the United States take control of Greenland, linking the demand to American security and strategic control of the Arctic.

His positions, including threats to use military force, prompted strong reactions in Denmark and other NATO member states.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as “historic” and as a significant achievement for the United States. According to him, it provides a permanent solution to American concerns regarding Greenland’s security.

However, until the official text is made public, it is unclear to what extent the new agreement differs from existing agreements between the United States and Denmark. A 1951 agreement already grants Washington broad rights regarding its military presence in Greenland.

Currently, the United States has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at Pituffik Base in northwestern Greenland.

Greenland’s importance is not limited to the military sphere. The territory is also considered strategic because of its large, mostly untapped reserves of rare minerals, which are used in the production of modern technologies, including mobile phones and electric vehicles.