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Greenland Parliament Approves US Security Deal
Confirmed
In Short: Greenland's parliament has unanimously approved a security agreement with the United States and Denmark, paving the way for increased US military presence on the island.
The deal, which was signed in September, passed with 16 votes in favor and seven abstentions, according to Greenlandic lawmakers.
The agreement allows the US to modernize and expand its activities at the Pituffik Space Base, a remote US military installation in northwest Greenland.
Greenland's Prime Minister wrote on Facebook that the road to this point had been difficult but that the country had stood firm on its fundamental principles, choosing dialogue and taking responsibility for its interests.
The deal is expected to be ratified by the Danish parliament on November 19, following Greenland's approval.
The agreement also addresses concerns raised by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for increased US control over Greenland for strategic reasons.
Trump's push for control over Greenland has alarmed Denmark and other NATO allies, leading to the current trilateral agreement.
The deal is designed to prevent adversaries from establishing bases in Greenland while preserving Greenland's sovereignty and right to self-determination.
The agreement allows the US to expand its military presence in Greenland, with plans for two new military bases.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is the world's largest island with a population of 57,000 people.
The deal was announced by Trump in a social media post, stating that it gives the US 'permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland.'
Catholics in Greenland are viewing the new security agreement with a mix of relief and concern, while remaining committed to the Gospel.
What this adds
The deal was passed 16-0 with seven abstentions, as reported by multiple outlets.
The agreement allows for the US to build two new military bases in Greenland.
The deal was signed in September and ratified by Greenland's parliament on Tuesday.
Background
Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the north Atlantic Ocean.
What's confirmed
- The trilateral deal paves the way for more U.S. bases in Greenland and eases tensions over Trump's repeated calls for the vast island to become part of the United States.
- It would still apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence.
- Trump plans for ‘massive’ resource exploration in Greenland Lawmakers in the semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland have approved an agreement with Denmark and the United States aimed at bolstering security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
- COPENHAGEN: Greenland’s parliament on Tuesday formally ratified a security agreement signed with Washington to head off US President Donald Trump’s bid to take over the vast Arctic island.
- Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and the Danish parliament is expected to ratify the agreement on November 19.
- Since returning to the presidency in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States needed to control Greenland for strategic reasons, alarming NATO ally Denmark and other partners.
- The United States and Denmark have announced that they have come to an agreement over Greenland, with US President Donald Trump saying the deal would give Washington "permanent control" of the island's security.
- Denmark and Greenland said it is expected to be signed next week at the United Nations General Assembly, but Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it must first complete required parliamentary procedures.
- Trump in a social media post announcing the deal said the emerging agreement "gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns."
- "At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America," Trump said in a social media post.
What's still developing
- “This is about all of us. The Greenland we love. About our security. And about our right to shape our own future,” he said.
- The Local Europe AB Västmannagatan 43 113 25 Stockholm Sweden Danish commentators on Saturday cast a deal announced by US President Donald Trump to give Washington control over Greenland's security as a diplomatic win for Copenhagen.
- The exercise demonstrated how Alaska and Greenland are becoming connected anchors of an Arctic defense network designed to detect threats earlier, operate from remote northern locations, and deny Russia or China an opening across the polar region.