Greenland parliament approves security deal with US, Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a security agreement with Denmark and the United States, voting 16-0 with seven abstentions.
The agreement was signed in September by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Located between Europe and North America, Greenland is the world's largest island, with a population of 57,000 people.
Security agreement details
The trilateral deal paves the way for more US bases on Greenland and allows the US to "modernise and expand" its activities at the Pituffik Space Base, a remote US military installation in northwest Greenland. Under its terms, Greenland will remain under Danish control – but the agreement would still apply if the island eventually chooses independence.
The road to this point has been a difficult one for us as a people. But we have stood firm on our fundamental principles, chosen dialogue and taken responsibility for our country's interests.
Political context
Trump's refusal last year to rule out a military invasion had caused fear among Greenlanders, the majority of whom rejected US control, according to opinion polls. The deal stipulates it will only "enter into force" once the "necessary parliamentary processes of the Kingdom of Denmark, in conjunction with Greenland, have been completed".
Danish lawmakers are set to debate it later this month, while no approval is required from the US Senate.
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