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NATO and US-Denmark security agreement in Greenland

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2026-10-14 18:53 UTC → 2026-10-25 05:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a trilateral security agreement during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The pact, signed by Donald Trump, Mette Frederiksen, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, updates a 1951 defense agreement to bolster Arctic and North Atlantic security by expanding the American military presence. Key components include the reopening of the former Bluie West One base in Narsarsuaq and establishing a presence in Mestersvig on the east coast. The agreement also expands upon the existing Pituffik Space Base and authorizes the potential development of additional military bases, including the implementation of a ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system. Under the terms, the United States will maintain ‘permanent control in matters of security’ and other territorial needs, granting U.S. aircraft rights to fly over and land anywhere in Greenland, as well as undersea access to its territorial waters and the seabed. Notably, the deal has no expiration date and is designed to remain in effect even if Greenland achieves independence, while Greenland maintains its status as part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The pact specifically prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing military installations in Greenland. To mitigate geopolitical tensions, the deal includes provisions to prioritize local Greenlandic companies for construction and maintenance contracts, and opens possibilities for joint exploration of Greenland’s significant rare earth mineral reserves. Following the signing, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the agreement would result in ‘zero cost to American taxpayers,’ a claim security experts like Svein Vigeland Rottem have described as ‘unreasonable.’ While Danish officials maintain the deal strengthens the defense of Greenland, NATO, and the American continent, some Greenlandic lawmakers have criticized the negotiations, suggesting the territory did not receive sufficient compensation or benefits.

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