The United States, Denmark and Greenland have struck a breakthrough agreement on Greenland that is expected to be signed next week at the UN General Assembly. President Trump said the deal grants the US permanent responsibility for Greenland's security and would bar adversaries from establishing bases or making sensitive investments without US approval. Danish and Greenlandic leaders said the pact reaffirms Danish sovereignty, recognizes Greenlanders' right to self-determination, and aims to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security.
US, Denmark and Greenland Announce Breakthrough Agreement on Greenland Security
FILE PHOTO - Colourful houses and the black and white landscape of the capital Nuuk, Greenland. (is associated with: «US and Denmark announce breakthrough in Greenland dispute») Ben Birchall/PA Wire/dpa
The United States, the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland announced on Friday that they have reached a breakthrough in their long-standing dispute over the Arctic island of Greenland. Danish and Greenlandic officials said a formal agreement with the United States is expected to be signed next week, with further parliamentary steps to follow before it enters into force.
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the deal "gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland." He added that Washington would be able to take whatever actions are necessary to defend the island and that the arrangement would come at no cost to the US government.
Key Terms and Reactions
According to the joint statement, the agreement bars US adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without Washington's express written approval. The Danish government indicated the pact is expected to be signed during the UN General Assembly and will then proceed through the required parliamentary procedures.
"I am pleased that there is the prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States," said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Officials said the deal would strengthen "our shared security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region," and noted it would be of benefit to NATO and to European security. The statement also emphasizes recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and affirms the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination.
"The agreement recognizes Greenland's interests and our place in international cooperation," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said. "It benefits us all."
Background and Context
Greenland, the world's largest island, has drawn intense international attention in recent months after President Trump publicly asserted claims related to the territory, prompting domestic and international opposition. Greenland is largely autonomous but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark; both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have repeatedly declared the island is not for sale.
Trump and his administration have argued that closer US involvement is necessary to prevent rival powers from gaining influence on the island, citing strategic concerns about Russia and China. In late December 2025, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy for Greenland, a move that attracted controversy.
Next Steps
The governments said they expect to sign the agreement at the UN General Assembly next week. After signing, the agreement will undergo the parliamentary processes required in the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland before it can enter into force.
Observers will be watching how the pact is implemented and how it is received by other NATO members and global stakeholders concerned about Arctic security and governance.
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