Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Denmark Sees Hope For Peaceful Greenland Talks With United States
Denmark, the United States and Greenland are talking about Greenland’s future.
The talks began after President Donald Trump said the United States wanted control of Greenland.
He said this was important for national security.
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said she feels hopeful about the discussions.
She also said no final decision has been made.
The United States already has a military base in northern Greenland.
Reports say it wants three more bases in the south.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries are also working together to improve Arctic security.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was optimistic about resolving the Greenland dispute peacefully.
A high-level working group involving Denmark, the United States and Greenland was created in January.
The United States has argued that controlling Greenland is necessary for national security.
Reports say the United States wants three additional military bases in southern Greenland.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies are conducting exercises in Greenland as Arctic tensions ease.
- Who
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the United States, Denmark and Greenland are involved.
- What
- A high-level working group is discussing United States concerns about Greenland and Arctic security.
- When
- The working group was created in January; Frederiksen made her comments on Monday.
- Where
- The comments were made in Rovaniemi, northern Finland, concerning Greenland and the Arctic region.
- Why
- The United States cites national security concerns and wants greater military access or control in Greenland.
Denmark’s Negotiating Position
United States Security Position
How to resolve the dispute
Denmark’s Negotiating Position
Denmark supports continuing the working group and hopes to find a peaceful way forward without drawing premature conclusions.
United States Security Position
The United States has argued that it needs control of Greenland for national security reasons.
Military presence in Greenland
Denmark’s Negotiating Position
Denmark points to existing agreements that regulate increased United States deployments and installations and favors coordination with Denmark and Greenland.
United States Security Position
The United States is reported to want three additional military bases in southern Greenland, alongside its existing base in the north.
Arctic security response
Denmark’s Negotiating Position
Denmark welcomes broader cooperation among North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies as tensions have eased.
United States Security Position
The United States’ concerns have contributed to increased focus on military security in the Arctic.
- Working group
- Representatives of Denmark, the United States and Greenland began meeting in January.
- Greenland’s status
- Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
- Population
- Greenland has about 57,000 inhabitants.
- Existing military presence
- The United States operates the Pituffik military base in northern Greenland.
- Reported expansion
- Several media outlets reported that the United States wants three new military bases in southern Greenland.
- Defense agreement
- A 1951 defense pact, updated in 2004, allows the United States to increase troops and installations after informing Denmark and Greenland.
- NATO activity
- Ten North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies are exercising together in Greenland.