Greenlandic MP welcomes US-Denmark-Greenland agreement as step toward greater autonomy

A Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament has welcomed a newly signed agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland, describing it as a significant step forward for Greenland's autonomy and economic prospects.

Naaja Nathanielsen, who represents the Greenlandic party Inuit Ataqatigiit and is a former minister in the Greenlandic government, said she was "pretty satisfied" with the deal, which was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The agreement bolsters the U.S. military presence on the Arctic island while keeping it under Danish control, easing months of tension that followed repeated calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for Greenland to become part of the United States.

Nathanielsen said the agreement builds on the existing 1951 defense agreement but goes further by respecting Greenland's rights, laws, culture and environment. "It's more than I had hoped for," she said, adding that much of the rest largely restates existing arrangements between the countries.

A key provision, she noted, stipulates that Greenlandic companies should be given access to service any new military bases. "It has always been American and Danish companies that has been prioritized. So, for us, this is actually good news and something we've been fighting quite hard for through many years," she said.

She also pointed to the historic nature of Greenland signing a binding agreement alongside Denmark and the United States for the first time. "This is the first time that we are venturing into a binding agreement as a country, putting our signature next to the Danish Prime Minister and the American President," she said, calling it a manifestation of Greenland moving forward in gaining more foreign policy influence.

Nathanielsen acknowledged that the period leading up to the deal had been difficult, with many in Greenland fearful of losing their country or livelihoods. "A lot of trust has been tested," she said. "But I also think that this agreement is a huge step in the right direction."

She described the deal as a foundation for rebuilding ties with the United States, noting that Greenland has consistently seen itself as an American ally willing to cooperate on national security and business ventures. "We can see this as a stepping stone forward and trying to rebuild our relationship from now on," she said.