Danish PM says deal with US on Greenland ‘good for Nato and Europe’

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said a planned deal with Greenland and the US will strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. — AFP pic

First Published: Saturday, 19 Sep 2026 10:17 AM MYT

COPENHAGEN, Sept 19 — An agreement due to be signed by Denmark and Greenland with the US on strengthening security in the autonomous Danish territory is “good for Nato and Europe,” Denmark’s prime minister said yesterday.

Mette Frederiksen said the deal “strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area,” adding that it was expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week.

She said the agreement “recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom (of Denmark) and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.”

Once signed, the agreement will have to go through the necessary parliamentary procedures to enter into force, according to a statement from Frederiksen’s office.

Trump said yesterday that he had struck an “infinite” deal with Denmark to give the US control over Greenland’s security and bar foreign adversaries from setting up bases there.

“I am pleased to announce that the US of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the US permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland,” Trump said on his Truth Social network.

“From now on, no US adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.”

“It is gratifying that we are about to enter into an agreement that ensures and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the US and the Western alliance,” said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the head of Greenland’s government.

It “recognises Greenland’s interests and our place in international cooperation,” he added.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington needed to control Greenland for strategic reasons, alarming Nato ally Denmark and sparking fierce pushback from the alliance.

Several media outlets have reported that the US wants to open three new military bases in southern Greenland, in addition to the Pituffik base it already has in the north of the territory. — AFP