EU Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen welcomed the new security agreement between Greenland, Denmark and the United States during a visit to Nuuk on September 25, 2026.
Virkkunen said the European Union strongly welcomes the deal because it strengthens security and defense in the region, according to reporting by DR. She added that the EU remains very interested in cooperating with Greenland.
Virkkunen was in Nuuk to discuss the EU’s partnership with Greenland. Per DR, she said the island holds a particularly important position, especially in terms of economic activity and security. She also noted that much of the world now has its eyes on the Arctic.
The agreement itself was signed by Greenland, Denmark and the United States on September 22, 2026. As reported by Reuters, it is intended to strengthen security in Greenland and the wider Arctic. Reuters adds that the deal permits a larger US military presence and may create new defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
According to AP, the pact allows the United States to modernize and expand the existing Pituffik Space Base. A statement published by the White House says the text bars non-NATO countries from establishing military installations or keeping a persistent military presence in Greenland.
EU points to its own Greenland partnership
DR reports that the EU has recently concluded a new partnership agreement with Greenland. The union has promised to invest around 1.5 billion kroner in 2026 and 2027. That comes on top of the Commission’s wish to double the funds set aside for Greenland in the EU’s seven-year budget.
Virkkunen said the EU and the United States share an interest in security and stability. She added that the EU’s engagement goes further than that, per DR. She pointed to the newly signed EU agreement on digital infrastructure, which she linked to both security and democracy.
Virkkunen said the importance of Greenland has grown considerably in recent years. DR notes that the new geopolitical situation, with Russia, China and the United States focused on the Arctic, has pushed the EU to strengthen its own engagement in the region.
Reuters reports that the September 22 agreement has no end date. It requires parliamentary approval in both Denmark and Greenland before it can enter into force. Reuters also notes that the deal followed months of tension over US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the island.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
Virkkunen’s visit coincided with the signing, which DR describes as a historic agreement. The EU was not a party to the deal between the three governments.
