Greenland's parliament backs US security deal
Greenland's parliament approved a defence agreement with the United States and Denmark on 3 Nov, by 16 votes in favour, none against and 7 abstentions. The deal, signed in September by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expands the US military presence on the Arctic island. It allows two new US bases and the proposed Golden Dome missile defence system, while keeping Greenland under Danish sovereignty. The agreement cannot enter into force until the Danish parliament approves it.
Key facts
- The Danish parliament holds a first reading on 11 Nov and a final vote on 19 Nov.
- The agreement would still apply if Greenland later chooses independence.
- In January 2026 Trump called for US control of Greenland and threatened military force and tariffs.
- Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede called ratification an important step for the island.
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Why it matters
The deal would widen the US military footprint in Greenland after months of tension over US claims to the island.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, Anadolu Agency, ABC News (US), Al Jazeera English and South China Morning Post