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European leaders have welcomed a new security agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening deterrence and security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
European Council President Antonio Costa described the deal as a positive step for transatlantic cooperation and Arctic security, according to statements posted on social media platform “X”.
“I congratulate PM Frederiksen and PM Nielsen of Greenland for the agreement reached with the United States to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic,” Costa said.
He said the agreement was based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. Costa added that the European Union was ready to continue working with Greenland, Denmark and its transatlantic partners for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Arctic.
EU and NATO welcome agreement
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her recent visit to Greenland had highlighted the strategic importance of the region.
“I welcome today’s agreement on strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic,” von der Leyen wrote on “X”, stressing that the challenges facing the region would need to be addressed collectively.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also called the agreement an important step for security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
“Great to see the deal signed by the United States, Denmark, and Greenland today,” Rutte said. He added that greater security in the region was essential for both Europe and North America, and that the agreement, together with NATO’s growing role, would enhance collective security.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the deal as “good news for the security of Greenland”, saying it would strengthen the partnership between Denmark, Greenland and the United States within NATO.
Agreement expands US military access
The agreement was signed on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It amends and supplements the 1951 Defense Agreement on Greenland and has no end date.
Under the deal, the United States will receive expanded military access to Greenland and will be permitted to establish new defence areas.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the agreement a milestone in longstanding security cooperation.
The deal follows repeated statements by US President Donald Trump expressing a desire to take control of Greenland for strategic and historical reasons. Trump has pointed to China and Russia’s interest in, and growing presence in, the Arctic region.
