Business organizations in Greenland and Denmark say they welcome the pending agreement between the United States, Greenland and Denmark, and that a larger American military presence could create local contracts.
According to DR, business groups on both sides of the Atlantic are relieved about the deal on Greenland’s future. They are waiting for signatures before celebrating, and details of the content remain sparse.
The agreement is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. DR reports that the ceremony is planned in the United States in the coming week.
Christian Keldsen, director of the employers’ group Grønlands Erhverv, told DR that more American bases could become good business. He said American bases around the world tend to place tasks locally, alongside contributions from US companies.
Keldsen said Greenland should start treating military activity as a pillar of its economy, given recent years of focus on Arctic security. He pointed to long historical experience with supplying an American presence that was previously larger.
Apprenticeships and local supply chains
Per Keldsen, servicing the bases could make Greenlandic companies more capable and create more apprenticeships. He said all parties have so far described the agreement as satisfactory, which he considers the basis for a win for everyone.
In Denmark, Dansk Erhverv and Dansk Industri told DR they are primarily relieved that an agreement can secure stability. Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, deputy director of Dansk Erhverv, said the United States is Denmark’s largest and most important trading partner.
As stated by Ellemann-Jensen, that trade has only grown while Trump has been president, which makes order and predictability necessary. He said a deal can give certainty to investors who are to strengthen Greenland’s economy and Danish investments there. He added that he is waiting until the agreement is actually signed.
Lars Sandahl Sørensen, director of Dansk Industri, said he hopes the deal secures long-term terms acceptable to all parties. He said the framework should protect Greenland’s self-determination in how its society develops.
Sandahl Sørensen expects very large investments in Greenland in defense, energy and infrastructure, among other areas. He said Danish businesses have long been ready to take part, depending on what Greenland’s population decides. He also said Dansk Industri is already in dialogue with Greenland’s government about where investments are wanted.
DR notes that the agreement’s content has been described differently in the United States, Denmark and Greenland. Trump has said the deal does not expire but applies forever, which has not been confirmed by other parties.
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Pituffik Space Base is currently the only active, permanent American base in Greenland. Keldsen said Greenlandic companies are used to servicing both American and Danish defense operations.
