Greenland lawmakers signal support for Trump security deal
A majority of Greenlandic lawmakers signaled support for the Arctic island’s recent security agreement with US President Donald Trump in a debate on Monday, although some opposition party members questioned the deal’s economic value.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland last month signed the agreement, aimed at ending tensions after Trump’s repeated threats to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island.
The agreement is subject to a second reading in parliament before being put to a vote, with lawmakers expected to pass the legislation.
The deal expands the US military’s role in Greenland, paving the way for two new military bases and Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense system, while reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
The chair of opposition party Naleraq, Pele Broberg, said many details still remained unclear on how the agreement would work in practice.
“The US is granted extensive rights in our country. The people of Greenland are not guaranteed any fixed payment for those rights,” Broberg said in the parliamentary debate in Greenland’s capital Nuuk.
The government parties, which have a majority of seats, defended the deal.
Former Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt of the governing coalition’s Demokraatit said Greenland had secured “massive” protection without having to pay for it, while winning recognition as an autonomous nation.
Foreign Minister Mute Egede said the deal was “a huge step forward” that could not be measured in terms of money.
Erik Jensen, chair of the Siumut party, said his party backed the deal.
“For several years, Siumut has been campaigning to ensure that agreements concerning Greenland are no longer concluded without Greenlandic participation… That is why we are satisfied,” Jensen said.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Arctic would be “flagship project” in proposed EU-Canada partnership, von der Leyen says, Eye on the Arctic
Denmark: Trump touts ‘permanent control’ in Greenland deal as Denmark, Nuuk stress sovereignty, self-determination, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland: Trump’s push to acquire Greenland almost broke NATO. The winner of it all may be … Greenland, The Associated Press
Russia: Kremlin says Greenland deal with US and Denmark is a matter for those involved, Reuters
Sweden: Sweden welcomes Greenland deal — but US rhetoric hurting trust within NATO, minister says, Radio Sweden
United States: New Greenland military bases will expand U.S. Arctic footprint, enhance NATO, Trump tells UN, Eye on the Arctic
