Denmark, a NATO partner, was horrified by this and fiercely opposed it.
In the past, Trump claimed that the deal would grant the United States “permanent control” over security for the Arctic region he has long desired.
“You have been quite explicit, Mr. President. Prior to the agreement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “You don’t want adversaries to come too close.”
“I completely agree, and with this agreement, they are not,” she continued, adding that enemies would not be permitted to have substantial influence or control over the region.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland, stated that Greenland is important for both transatlantic and North American security.
He continued, “This agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly.”
In an effort to prevent US foes China and Russia from establishing a presence in the Arctic, the agreement prohibits non-NATO and non-EU nations from accessing vital areas in Greenland.
In sensitive sectors, such parties are typically prohibited from having “control, significant influence, or access to non-public information that may constitute a threat to national security or public order.”
The agreement was hailed as a “positive step for transatlantic cooperation and Arctic security” by EU leader Antonio Costa on Tuesday.
Costa wrote on X, “The EU stands ready to continue working closely with Greenland, Denmark, and our transatlantic partners for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Arctic.”
Additionally, the deal requires Greenland, which has 57,000 residents, to uphold its obligations even in the event that it gains independence from Denmark.
Additionally, it ought to stay in NATO or join it “if necessary.”
As long as Washington notified Denmark and Greenland beforehand, it was already permitted to increase its military presence on the island under a 1951 defence agreement that was revised in 2004.