US, Denmark and Greenland Sign Security Pact to Ease Arctic Tensions

The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement on Tuesday aimed at ending months of tension over the Danish self-governing territory, following repeated threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the vast Arctic island.

The deal builds on a 1951 US-Danish pact on Greenland's defence, according to a text published by the Danish government.

Military provisions

Under the agreement, the United States may establish two new military bases — one at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and another at Mestersvig on the east coast — and expand Pituffik Space Base, its only active base on the island.

US aircraft and vessels receive flyover, landing and undersea rights across all of Greenland, including its territorial waters. The agreement does not specify troop numbers or timelines.

NATO and the Arctic

The pact expresses support for a stronger NATO presence in the Arctic, and Denmark commits to further strengthening its own security posture in the region.

Should Greenland ever become independent, Denmark and Greenland must ensure the new state remains in NATO, applying for membership if necessary. Non-NATO members are barred from maintaining an ongoing military presence in Greenland.

Greenland's rights

The agreement states that it respects Greenland's right to self-determination, and requires the United States to act in a manner that respects Greenlandic society and way of life.

Economic dimensions

The deal does not address US interests or investments in Greenland's mining and resources sector. It bars investors from outside NATO member states, NATO partners or the European Union from holding control or major influence over sensitive sectors in Greenland. Greenland will screen investments to enforce those rules.

Next steps

The parliaments of Greenland and Denmark must approve the agreement before it takes effect. The pact has no end date and can be amended only by mutual consent.