US, Denmark and Greenland sign Arctic security deal

The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a security agreement that increases the American military presence in Greenland while recognising Danish sovereignty over the island and Greenlanders' right to decide their own future.

The agreement was signed on 22 September in New York, during the United Nations General Assembly, four days after it was announced.

A year of tension

The deal follows months of tension over Greenland, the world's largest island, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has its own government.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the United States should take control of Greenland, citing its importance for security in the Arctic. Earlier this year, he threatened tariffs on European countries and refused to rule out the use of force.

Denmark and Greenland rejected any American takeover, and Denmark and several NATO allies sent troops to Greenland. The crisis caused deep concern across Europe about the future of the NATO alliance.

What the agreement says

The agreement expands the permanent American military presence in Greenland and increases American involvement in its defence. It strengthens cooperation on security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

Trump has said the deal gives the United States permanent control over security in Greenland. Danish and Greenlandic officials say it does not transfer sovereignty, and that Greenland remains part of the Danish realm.

An old relationship

The United States has had a military presence in Greenland since the Second World War. Under a 1951 agreement with Denmark, it operates the Pituffik Space Base in the north of the island, which is used for missile warning and space surveillance.

Why Greenland matters

Greenland sits between North America and Europe, and melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to minerals in the Arctic. Russia and China are both increasing their activity in the region.

Reaction

European leaders have welcomed the end of the crisis, although some have warned that the dispute has damaged trust between the United States and its allies.

In Greenland, many people have expressed relief, but some politicians have said the island's future must be decided by Greenlanders alone.

Britain's Defence Secretary said in January that British bases and forces would not be used to support any American military action against Greenland.