Greenland Approves Arctic Security Deal With US and Denmark
Greenland's parliament voted 16-0 for a trilateral security agreement, with seven abstentions. Danish parliamentary approval is still required before it takes effect.
Greenland's parliament approved a security agreement with the United States and Denmark on Tuesday, backing an expanded American military presence in the Arctic while keeping the island within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Lawmakers voted 16-0 in favor, with seven abstaining, according to Al Jazeera. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed the agreement in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The deal allows the United States to modernize and expand operations at Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland and opens the way for additional military facilities. Deutsche Welle reported that it provides for two new U.S. bases and Trump's Golden Dome missile-defense system.
The agreement does not make Greenland a U.S. territory. It keeps the self-governing island under Danish control while reaffirming Greenlanders' right to decide their future. Al Jazeera reported that the agreement would continue to apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence.
Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede welcomed ratification after months of difficult negotiations. Pro-independence Naleraq party leader Pele Broberg questioned the agreement's value, saying Greenland had not gained an economic benefit, Deutsche Welle reported.
The agreement is not yet in force. Danish lawmakers still must complete their parliamentary process, with a vote scheduled for November 19 in Copenhagen, according to Deutsche Welle. Al Jazeera reported that U.S. Senate approval is not required.