Denmark and Greenland Reject US Sovereign Base Proposal

The governments of Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea of a potential US sovereign base in Greenland. This comes in the wake of discussions regarding a NATO-negotiated agreement, with both Copenhagen and Nuuk emphasizing the importance of their “territorial integrity.”

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump expressed approval for a “framework” agreement with NATO leader Mark Rutte that could enhance US confidence in Arctic security. However, both Greenland and Denmark quickly opposed the speculative deal, noting that Greenland, once a Danish colony, is now classified as an Overseas Territory.

Officials from Denmark and Greenland indicated that their concerns and established “red lines” were shared with NATO Secretary-General Rutte, although he lacked the authority to negotiate for them and wasn’t present during the discussions. Denmark’s Social Democratic Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, mentioned that while the country is open to negotiations on various topics, issues related to sovereignty are non-negotiable.

In light of reports suggesting that a compromise could involve the US acquiring permanent territory on the Arctic island to address its strategic concerns, Frederiksen stated that the US might be able to operate military bases on legally acquired US land instead of relying on leased Greenlandic territory.

Denmark’s government aims to maintain constructive dialogue with its allies about strengthening Arctic security, including the US Golden Dome, as long as territorial integrity is respected.

Simultaneously, Greenland’s newly appointed center-right Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, has expressed a desire to engage in discussions with the United States. This includes the possibility of placing President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system on Greenland. However, he has strongly indicated that transferring territory is unlikely. He stated, “We are ready to negotiate a better deal… but sovereignty is a red line that cannot be crossed.”

Nielsen also emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue: “We are members of NATO. We are ready to discuss and do more. Let’s explore through proper channels… We want to enhance Arctic security through important initiatives, including NATO’s permanent mission in Greenland and increased military presence.” Greenland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Moute Egede, has been quoted more directly, stating, “It is unacceptable to try to transfer our land to others.”

Interestingly, while reiterating Greenland’s commitment to its sovereignty, Nielsen remarked that although Greenlanders have pursued a path toward EU membership, the territory is not an EU member, as this would require relinquishing some degree of national sovereignty.

Both Frederiksen and Nielsen admitted they were unaware of the specifics discussed between Trump and Rutte or the details of the “framework” agreement, which Trump claimed would meet all necessary requirements and that “everyone is very happy with.”

Greenland, a small democracy within a much larger country, has about 40,000 voters. Nielsen barely won the 2025 general election by a margin of 8,500 votes. Most of the population lives in only a few coastal towns. If the US were to negotiate for just 1 percent of Greenland, it would roughly equate to land the size of Maryland, relevant for national defense and Arctic security.

Recently, stores in Greenland experienced panic buying as residents sought water, food, and generators amid uncertainties about the future. This might have been partially triggered by the Greenlandic government, which advised every household on assembling a “home emergency kit” to manage a five-day crisis.