Greenland’s parliament on Tuesday ratified a security agreement with the United States that was signed in September this year.
Greenland’s parliament on Tuesday ratified a security agreement with the United States that was signed in September this year. The agreement will allow Washington to expand its military presence on the Arctic island. According to Reuters, the agreement was reached between the United States, Denmark and Greenland in September, with the aim of easing tensions following repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland.
The agreement paves the way for an expanded U.S. military role, the construction of two additional military bases and the deployment of Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system. It also reaffirms Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. In Tuesday’s parliamentary vote, 16 members voted in favour of the agreement, with none voting against it, while seven members abstained. During an earlier debate last month, a majority of lawmakers had already indicated their support.
Greenland’s Foreign Minister, Múte Egede, described the ratification as an important step for the island. However, opposition Naleraq Party leader Pele Broberg questioned the agreement’s economic benefits, arguing that it offered Greenland no economic advantages. The executive agreement still requires approval from the Danish Parliament. The Danish legislature is scheduled to hold its first reading on November 11, followed by a second reading and final vote on November 19.
The agreement will enter into force once it has been ratified by both Denmark and Greenland. It does not require approval from the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that Europe had given the United States “the greatest gift ever,” apparently referring to Greenland and the military agreement. Another participant subsequently clarified that Trump was referring to the “military agreement.”
