Denmark, Greenland and the United States signed a new security agreement in New York on September 22, drawing praise from NATO, the EU and several European governments.
US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Naalakkersuisut Chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed the deal on Tuesday evening. DR reports that the agreement builds on the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States covering Greenland.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called it fantastic to see the agreement signed. Writing on X, he said greater security in the Arctic and North Atlantic is decisive for both Europe and North America.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a written statement that months of negotiations had produced a mutually acceptable solution in line with international law. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre wrote on X that he welcomed the deal as a good diplomatic solution for Arctic stability.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the agreement. She wrote that her visit to Greenland earlier this month underlined the region’s strategic importance. European Council President António Costa congratulated Frederiksen and Nielsen, calling it a positive step for transatlantic cooperation.
What the agreement contains
According to Reuters, the agreement allows the United States to establish military facilities at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig and to expand Pituffik Space Base. Reuters adds that the text gives expanded access for US aircraft and vessels, and sets restrictions on military presence from non-NATO countries.
Reuters notes that the agreement does not specify troop numbers or timelines. Per a statement from the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, Statsministeriet, the agreement must be approved through parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland before it takes effect.
As reported by AP, the signing followed months of uncertainty and US threats to take control of Greenland. Costa said the agreement rests on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
DR notes that the signing took place during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The broadcaster has published the full agreement text alongside its coverage of the day’s events.
