The US, Denmark and Greenland have reached a landmark agreement concerning the security of the world’s largest island — Greenland. US President Donald Trump has announced a new treaty that will strengthen America’s position in this strategically important region. The agreement provides for ‘permanent control’ by the US over the island’s security and enables Washington to counter the influence of third countries, such as China and Russia.
Trump, known for his long-standing interest in Greenland, had previously considered the possibility of acquiring the island, emphasising its strategic importance. In his statement, he explained that the US intends to actively strengthen its military presence in Greenland, where an American airbase is already located. This decision, as the US leader emphasised, is aimed at preventing the emergence on the island of forces hostile to the US and undesirable investors.
The Danish and Greenlandic authorities have confirmed that the agreement will be signed at the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly, after which the document will be submitted to the respective parliaments for ratification. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that this agreement would strengthen the security of NATO and Europe as a whole, whilst preserving Denmark’s sovereignty and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
Historically, since as far back as 1951, the US has maintained a significant military presence in Greenland. However, the new treaty is expected to expand these rights and introduce additional conditions, including a right of veto over foreign military bases and investments by non-NATO countries. Critics point out that the previous 1951 treaty, whilst granting the US certain rights, did not provide for such a broad range of powers.
Thus, against the backdrop of the new geopolitical reality, the US is seeking to protect its interests in the Arctic as much as possible, whilst simultaneously strengthening its alliances. The agreement promises to be an important step forward in relations between the US, Denmark and Greenland.