Greenland’s parliament approved a security agreement with Denmark and the United States on Tuesday, November 3, that would allow more U.S. military activity on the Arctic island while Greenland remains under Danish control, but Denmark’s parliament must also approve it.
The Inatsisartut vote was 16 in favor, none against and seven abstentions. U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed the agreement in New York on September 22. The agreement updates the countries’ 1951 defense agreement.
It sets out a plan for a larger U.S. military presence, including more military sites. The pact confirms that Denmark remains in control of Greenland and that Greenlanders have the right to decide their own future. Its terms would continue to apply if Greenland becomes independent.
The vote follows months of tension over Trump’s repeated calls for the United States to take control of Greenland. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. During the parliamentary debate, opposition party Naleraq questioned whether the agreement would bring economic benefits to Greenland.
Foreign Minister Mute Egede said approval was an important step as security concerns continued. Greenland’s vote does not put the agreement into force by itself. Denmark’s parliament still needs to complete its approval process, with a final vote scheduled for November 19.