|
U.S.-Denmark-Greenland Plan New Arctic Security Pact at UNGA
The U.S., Denmark, and Greenland plan to sign a new Arctic security pact at the UNGA in New York, pending Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary approval. The proposed deal provides for expanded U.S. military rights in Greenland and restrictions on non-NATO adversaries’ military basing and certain sensitive investments.
U.S.-Denmark-Greenland Arctic Security Pact:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. military presence | The agreement reportedly grants the United States permanent access, basing, and overflight rights in Greenland. |
| Exclusion of adversaries | Non-NATO adversaries are prohibited from establishing military bases in Greenland, and certain sensitive investments by adversarial countries are restricted. |
| Disclosure status | The specific investment restrictions and operational details have not been publicly disclosed at the time of the agreement’s announcement. |
| Duration | The U.S. President describes the agreement as having no expiry date, referring to it as having “infinite life.” |
| Status if Greenland becomes independent | Reports indicate the agreement is intended to remain in effect even if Greenland becomes independent. |
| Non-acquisition clause | The agreement does not constitute the acquisition of Greenland by the United States. |
| Principles emphasized by Denmark and Greenland | Denmark and Greenland emphasize four principles: preservation of Danish sovereignty, maintenance of territorial integrity, protection of Greenlandic self-determination, and advancement of Greenland's interests in international cooperation. |
| Existing legal framework (1951) | The Defense of Greenland Treaty, 1951, is signed by the United States and Denmark and grants the United States extensive military access to Greenland during the Cold War. |
| Existing legal framework (2004) | The 2004 agreement amends and supplements the 1951 defense arrangement, adding provisions on U.S. military activities and consultation with Greenlandic authorities. |
| Existing U.S. base in Greenland | Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, is operated by the United States in northwestern Greenland. |
| Functions of Pituffik Space Base | It supports missile warning, missile defense, space surveillance, and United States and NATO security operations. |