In September, the world’s attention was drawn to a significant development for the Arctic region — the signing of an agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland. This agreement, concluded on 22 September, aims to strengthen security on the world’s largest island, which has become a focal point of strategic interests in geopolitical manoeuvres.
Greenland, as an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is of immense interest to the US in the context of growing tensions in the Arctic. Under the new agreement, the possibility of establishing additional defence facilities on the island is being discussed, including at strategically important locations such as Mestersvig and Narsarsuaq. These sites could potentially become key to expanding the US military presence in this cold region.
The agreement not only reinforces existing arrangements but also expands the scope for the deployment of US military forces. The US, in turn, gains the ability to block the establishment of military infrastructure and investments in Greenland from countries outside NATO. Interestingly, the treaty will remain in force even if Greenland decides to become independent.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised the strategic importance of this agreement, noting that it serves the interests not only of the three signatories but also of the entire Western alliance. Her comments are clearly aimed at strengthening relations of trust with US President Donald Trump, who has previously raised the issue of the need to exert control over Greenland. As far back as his first term in office, Trump had floated the idea of purchasing the island, citing its strategic location and the potential threat posed by Russia and China.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, confidently stated that the new agreement definitively cements the island’s foreign policy orientation. He emphasised the importance of the alliance with the United States, stating that the security of America and Greenland is inextricably linked.
The agreement highlights the ongoing global struggle for influence in the Arctic, where the strategic interests of the major powers clash with complex political and economic realities. The issue of Greenland looks set to remain on the agenda of world leaders for some time to come.