Archive · 19 Sep 2026
US, Denmark and Greenland Announce Arctic Security Agreement
The United States, Denmark and Greenland have announced a new security agreement.
The deal is about protecting Greenland and the Arctic.
President Donald Trump said the United States would have permanent control over security matters in Greenland.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this would protect US interests without costing American taxpayers money.
Denmark described the agreement as cooperation between allies, not a change in Greenland’s status.
Denmark also said Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland’s prime minister said the deal would improve security for Greenland and its partners.
The agreement still needs to be signed and approved through national parliamentary procedures.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the agreement a major victory that permanently addresses US national security concerns in Greenland.
President Donald Trump said the pact gives the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security-related needs at no cost to US taxpayers.
Trump said the agreement would block US adversaries from establishing bases, military presences or making sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval.
Denmark described the pact as strengthened Arctic and North Atlantic security cooperation while reaffirming Greenland’s place within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The agreement is expected to be signed next week and will take effect only after required national parliamentary procedures are completed.
- Who
- The United States, Denmark and Greenland, with statements from Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
- What
- They announced a security agreement concerning US access, defense responsibilities and restrictions on adversarial military or investment activity in Greenland.
- When
- The agreement was announced on Friday local time and is expected to be signed next week; it will take effect after parliamentary procedures are completed.
- Where
- Greenland and the wider Arctic and North Atlantic region; signing is expected on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- The stated purpose is to strengthen security and address US concerns about Greenland’s strategic position while preventing adversaries from establishing military or sensitive economic footholds there.
US Control and Security Emphasis
Sovereignty and Cooperation Emphasis
Nature of US authority
US Control and Security Emphasis
Donald Trump said the agreement gives the United States permanent control over security and other security-related needs in Greenland.
Sovereignty and Cooperation Emphasis
Denmark emphasized strengthened cooperation and reaffirmed Greenland’s position within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Strategic purpose
US Control and Security Emphasis
Trump and Rubio presented the agreement as permanently addressing US national security concerns and excluding adversaries from Greenland and surrounding areas.
Sovereignty and Cooperation Emphasis
Denmark and Greenland framed the pact as a measure that strengthens common security for Greenland, Denmark, the United States, NATO and the wider Western alliance.
Greenland’s status
US Control and Security Emphasis
The US description focused on Washington’s permanent ability to take measures it considers necessary to secure and defend Greenland and the United States.
Sovereignty and Cooperation Emphasis
Denmark stressed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
- Agreement parties
- United States, Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland
- US cost
- Donald Trump and Marco Rubio said the agreement would come at no cost to US taxpayers.
- Adversary restrictions
- Trump said adversaries would need express US approval to establish bases, maintain military forces or make sensitive investments in Greenland.
- Danish position
- Denmark said the pact strengthens Arctic and North Atlantic security while recognizing the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Greenlandic position
- Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognizes Greenland’s interests and strengthens security for the Western alliance.
- Next step
- The agreement is expected to be signed next week and requires national parliamentary approval before taking effect.
- Related European investment
- The European Commission announced a 200-million-euro Global Gateway Partnership Package for Greenland for 2026 and 2027.