Leaders praise new US Greenland Denmark defence agreement

European leaders and NATO have welcomed a defence agreement signed by the United States, Greenland and Denmark, DR reports. The agreement builds on the 1951 defence agreement concerning Greenland.

US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of Greenland’s government, signed the agreement on Tuesday evening.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the agreement good news, saying negotiations over recent months had produced a mutually acceptable solution in accordance with international law.

It strengthens the transatlantic partnership within NATO and contributes to security in the High North, Merz said in a written statement. He added that Germany’s partners could continue to rely on its support in pursuing those goals together.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a good diplomatic solution that was important for stability and security in the Arctic.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called it fantastic to see the agreement signed. He said greater security in the Arctic and North Atlantic was vital for both Europe and North America.

Rutte said the agreement, together with NATO’s growing role in securing the region, strengthened collective security and supported a safer and more stable future. NATO announced its Arctic Sentry mission earlier this year to strengthen the alliance’s presence in the Arctic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the agreement. She said her visit to Greenland earlier this month had underlined the region’s strategic importance and the scale of the challenges facing it.

European Council President António Costa congratulated Frederiksen and Nielsen, calling the agreement a positive step for transatlantic cooperation and Arctic security.

Costa said it was based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of the people of Greenland to self-determination. He added that the European Union was ready to continue working closely with Greenland, Denmark and its transatlantic partners for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Arctic.