US, Denmark and Greenland Sign Arctic Security Agreement Expanding Military Access

The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed an agreement on Tuesday that significantly expands American military access to Greenland, amending the 1951 defence pact between Washington and Copenhagen. The deal permits the establishment of new defence areas on the island and the deployment of a missile defence system, while explicitly reaffirming Greenland's right to self-determination and Denmark's sovereignty over the territory.

European leaders swiftly welcomed the agreement. European Council President Antonio Costa congratulated Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen, describing the deal as grounded in "respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic, a point she said had been reinforced by her recent visit to Greenland. She added that the EU would continue working closely with Denmark, Greenland and international partners.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the signing "an important step for security in the Arctic and North Atlantic," saying greater security in the region was essential "for Europe and North America alike." Reuters described the signing as an attempt to end what it called an Arctic standoff between the three parties, following a period of tension over the island's strategic future amid growing competition among major powers in the region.