Explainer: Key Components of the US-Greenland-Denmark Security Deal
Overview of the US-Greenland-Denmark Security Agreement
COPENHAGEN, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement on Tuesday aimed at ending months of tension over the Danish self-governing territory after US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to take control of the vast Arctic island.
Here are some key components of the deal, which adds to a 1951 US-Danish pact on Greenland's defence, according to a text published by the Danish government.
Military Aspects of the Security Deal
WHAT ARE THE MILITARY ASPECTS OF THE DEAL?
Establishment and Expansion of Military Bases
The agreement allows the United States to establish two new military bases — one at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and the other at Mestersvig on the east coast — and to expand Pituffik Space Base, currently its only active base on the island.
Military Rights and Operations
US craft including planes and vessels get flyover, landing and undersea rights in all of Greenland, including territorial waters.
The agreement does not specify troop numbers or timelines.
Relationship with NATO
HOW DOES THE PACT WORK WITH NATO?
Support for NATO Presence
The agreement expresses support for a stronger NATO presence in the Arctic, and Denmark commits to further strengthen its own security posture in the region.
Greenland's Status and NATO Membership
If Greenland ever become independent, Denmark and Greenland must ensure the new state remains in NATO, applying for membership if necessary.
Restrictions on Non-NATO Military Presence
Non-NATO members are barred from having an ongoing military presence in Greenland.
Greenland's Rights and Autonomy
WHAT RIGHTS DOES GREENLAND HAVE?
Respect for Self-Determination
The agreement says it respects Greenland's right to self-determination. Under the accord, the US must act in a way that respects Greenlandic society and the Greenlandic way of life.
Economic Aspects of the Pact
WHAT ARE ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE PACT?
Investment and Resource Sector Provisions
The agreement does not address US interests or investments into Greenland's mining and resources sector.
Restrictions on Foreign Investment
The deal bars investors from outside NATO member states, NATO partners or the European Union from having control or major influence over sensitive sectors in Greenland.
Screening of Investments
Greenland will screen investments to enforce those rules.
Next Steps and Implementation
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
Parliamentary Approval
The parliaments of Greenland and Denmark must approve the agreement before it goes into effect.
Duration and Amendments
The pact has no end date and can be amended only by mutual consent.
(Reporting by Louise Rasmussen and Stine Jacobsen; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)