Greenland parliament approves defense pact expanding US military presence

Lawmakers in Greenland have formally approved a landmark security pact negotiated with US President Donald Trump, concluding a parliamentary review that saw debate over the real financial advantages offered to the island.

The agreement was originally signed in September by representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the United States. Its primary purpose was to diffuse diplomatic friction that developed following repeated assertions by Trump regarding potential American control over the territory, which operates as an autonomous territory under the Danish crown. Greenland holds substantial strategic importance in the Arctic and possesses extensive mineral deposits.

Under the terms of the ratified accord, the United States will broaden its defense posture across Greenland. The framework clears the way for the construction of two fresh American military installations as well as the deployment of Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense apparatus on the island.

At the same time, the arrangement explicitly upholds Danish sovereignty over the territory and preserves the self-determination rights of the Greenlandic population. Despite its passage through the legislature, opposition politicians raised questions regarding whether the pact provides adequate economic returns for the Arctic island in exchange for granting expanded military access.