Denmark says ‘binding’ US deal on Greenland won’t compromise sovereignty
Denmark and Greenland have agreed to a binding security deal with the United States to prevent Russian and Chinese military expansion in the Arctic. The agreement aims to strengthen NATO security while maintaining Greenland's sovereignty and Danish red lines.
Why it matters
This deal marks a significant shift in Arctic geopolitics, formalizing US military influence in a region of increasing strategic competition.
Trump has wanted a foothold in Greenland for some time, as a strategic battle unfolds for supremacy in a warming Arctic.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Many in Greenland have mixed feelings towards the deal, with some protesting earlier this year against Trump's wish to "own" Greenland [File: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 Denmark has hailed a “binding” deal by United States President Donald Trump to give Washington “permanent control” over Greenland’s security and bar Russian and Chinese military bases from the Arctic territory.
But Denmark and Greenland – an autonomous Danish territory – said on Saturday that any deal with the US would not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty, and the two countries would sign the agreement next week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
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