Greenland Approves US-Denmark Security Agreement

Greenland’s parliament approved a security agreement with Denmark and the United States on Tuesday, November 3, clearing one of two required legislative steps before the pact can take effect. The vote was 160 in favor, with seven lawmakers abstaining. The agreement, signed in September by U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, provides for an expanded U.S. military presence on the Arctic island. Its terms allow additional U.S. military installations and the modernization and expansion of operations at Pituffik Space Base. Denmark’s parliament must still complete its approval process. A first reading is scheduled for November 11, followed by a second reading and vote on November 19. The agreement will enter into force after both Greenland and Denmark complete their approval processes; U.S. Senate approval is not required. Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede described the vote as an important step and said negotiations had protected Greenland’s principles and interests. The agreement’s signing and approval process followed months of negotiations amid tensions over Trump’s public statements...