NATO backs Greenland security deal amid sovereignty concerns

NATO has welcomed a new security framework involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland, as the agreement seeks to ease tensions over Washington’s growing strategic interest in the Arctic territory.

The pact follows months of diplomatic friction surrounding US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for greater American control and security access in Greenland.

Trump has described the agreement as giving the United States long-term control over Greenland’s security and other strategic needs. He has also highlighted provisions that could allow Washington to expand its military presence and limit the involvement of countries outside NATO.

However, officials in Copenhagen and Nuuk have stressed that the arrangement respects Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and the right of Greenland’s people to determine their own political future.

A key element of the agreement is a restriction on military activity by non-NATO countries. Russia and China would be prevented from establishing military bases or deploying troops in Greenland under the proposed framework.

The agreement also includes restrictions on investments by countries considered potential security threats in strategically sensitive sectors.

US officials have indicated that the security framework is designed to remain effective even if Greenland eventually becomes independent from Denmark. The arrangement would therefore provide a longer-term framework for defence cooperation in the Arctic.

The agreement is expected to be formally signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

NATO leaders have described the deal as an important step toward strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The framework aims to address US defence concerns while maintaining Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination.