New US-Denmark-Greenland pact ties any future Greenlandic state to NATO

The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a new security pact on September 22 that updates the 1951 defense agreement by requiring any future independent Greenland to stay in NATO, either automatically or by applying for membership. The treaty removes previous Danish restrictions on U.S. naval movement, allowing unrestricted underwater operations and broader air and land access across the island. It also prohibits military installations or significant investments by non-NATO, non-EU states unless all three signatories agree, effectively sidelining powers such as Russia and China.

New defense areas around Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig may be created, but any expansion must be approved by a permanent committee and, failing that, escalated to ministerial talks. Economic provisions will force Greenland to block control of critical sectors by countries outside NATO, the EU or their partners, a measure aimed at reducing reliance on China. The agreement still needs ratification by the Danish and Greenlandic parliaments, with no U.S. congressional vote required.