NUUK, — Greenland’s parliament has approved a new security agreement with the United States and Denmark, allowing an expanded American military presence on the strategically important Arctic island.
The Inatsisartut approved the agreement on Tuesday in a 16-0 vote, with seven lawmakers abstaining. The decision clears the way for the agreement to move to Denmark’s parliament for approval, with the first reading scheduled for November 12 and a final vote planned for November 19.
Signed in New York on September 22, 2026, by U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the agreement updates the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense pact.
Under the deal, the United States will be allowed to establish two additional defense areas at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and Mestersvig on the eastern coast. It also permits the modernization and expansion of operations at the existing Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. The agreement also provides for potential U.S. military access to support elements of Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system.
The pact gives U.S. aircraft and vessels broad military access across Greenland and its territorial waters. It also introduces restrictions on investments by countries outside NATO and the EU in sensitive sectors, including critical infrastructure and resource extraction, where they could create national security risks.
The agreement reaffirms Danish sovereignty over Greenland and recognizes the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination under international law. It also states that the agreement has no fixed end date and would continue to apply if Greenland eventually becomes independent, subject to the agreed conditions.
To ensure local economic benefits, the agreement calls for U.S. military construction and service contracts to use Greenlandic suppliers as much as possible. It also includes provisions for environmental protection and cooperation between the three parties.
Opposition Raises Economic Concerns
Greenland's opposition party Naleraq questioned the economic benefits of the agreement and called for stronger financial guarantees and a public referendum. The debate also involved concerns about Greenland's control over its future and the extent of U.S. influence.
Foreign Minister Múte B. Egede described ratification as an important step, saying that peace and stability could no longer be taken for granted. Prime Minister Nielsen also stressed that Greenlanders must retain the right to decide their island's future.
The agreement follows months of diplomatic tensions after Trump repeatedly raised the possibility of bringing Greenland under U.S. control, citing American security interests in the Arctic.
Once Denmark completes its parliamentary approval process, it will formally notify Washington through diplomatic channels. The agreement will then enter into force. U.S. congressional approval is not required.
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