Greenland negotiations enter difficult phase as concrete talks begin
Talks between Greenland, Denmark, and the US have moved into a critical stage, with negotiations shifting from framework discussions to substantive issues, Danish broadcaster DR reports.
Delegations from the three parties met again in Washington DC last week, marking the start of concrete negotiations after months of preparatory discussions. The talks, which began in January when Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt visited Washington, have so far focused on defining the scope of the negotiations.
Sources tell DR that the meetings have been constructive, with all sides demonstrating willingness to listen. However, participants acknowledge that significant challenges lie ahead as discussions turn to complex issues.
### Two key negotiation tracks
The talks are proceeding along two main lines. The first concerns NATO’s role in preventing China or Russia from gaining influence in Greenland. This was reportedly the focus of discussions between former US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Davos in January, after which Trump claimed a historic agreement had been reached granting the US permanent access to Greenland.
No formal agreement exists, however, and DR reports that nothing was put in writing. What does exist is a broad commitment for NATO to increase its security presence in the Arctic and Greenland—an area now under negotiation.
The second track involves the relationship between Greenland, Denmark, and the US, potentially building on the 1951 agreement that established Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base). Previous upgrades to the base and the closure of the Kangerlussuaq facility in 1992 were also the result of lengthy trilateral negotiations.
### “Golden Dome” missile shield remains a sticking point
A major point of contention is Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which would rely on Greenland’s geographic position. While some US officials claimed in January that Denmark and Greenland had opposed involvement in the project, DR’s sources dispute this.
The key questions now revolve around sovereignty and jurisdiction over any territory used for the system. The US is expected to demand full control—raising the question of whether Denmark and Greenland can accept such terms, particularly given Trump’s insistence on a permanent arrangement.
Despite the challenges, sources suggest a compromise on the Golden Dome’s use of Greenlandic territory may still be possible, though negotiations will be difficult.