U.S. and Greenland sign new defense pact, boosting island's autonomy
A defense agreement signed at the United Nations expands U.S. military cooperation with Greenland and marks a step toward greater self-governance for the island, while easing tensions that had strained NATO relations.
The United States and Greenland concluded a new defense agreement on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, expanding military cooperation and outlining potential investments. The pact builds on a 1951 arrangement that already granted the U.S. extensive access to Greenlandic bases, but it is the first time Greenland has signed a binding security deal as an autonomous entity.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island’s participation in the agreement represents a significant shift, noting that Greenland is now “at the table today, signing this agreement.” Lawmaker Naaja Nathanielsen, who also serves in the Danish parliament, described the deal as “a huge step forward in our quest for more self-autonomy.”
The agreement comes after President Donald Trump’s 2024 proposal to purchase Greenland, which created diplomatic friction and raised concerns within NATO. Danish officials emphasized that maintaining the transatlantic alliance was a priority, and the new pact is seen as a way to prevent future disputes from jeopardizing collective security.
While the promised investments have yet to materialize, the deal is viewed as a milestone in Greenland’s ongoing push for greater self-determination. Since gaining self-government status within the Kingdom of Denmark in 2009, the island has sought more control over its foreign and defense policies, which remain under Danish authority.
Denmark has also been addressing historic grievances related to past colonial policies, including a formal apology in 2025 for forced medical procedures on Inuit women. Researchers say the recent U.S.-Greenland negotiations have heightened attention on these issues and may influence future discussions on Greenland’s political status.