The United States and NATO have reportedly reached a draft agreement that would grant the US control over certain areas in Greenland, designated as “sovereign base areas.” According to The Telegraph, the deal, negotiated between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, would allow Washington to build military bases on the island, which would be considered US territory. This arrangement is similar to the treaty that authorizes the UK to maintain two “sovereign base areas” in Cyprus.
The agreement, reached on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is seen by European officials as a way to circumvent Trump’s previous threats to annex the entire Arctic island from Denmark. Both Trump and Rutte stated that the details of the agreement have yet to be finalized. The US currently operates an airbase on Greenland’s northwestern coast under a 1951 agreement.
The draft framework includes provisions for the expansion of the US Golden Dome missile defense system into Greenland, as well as allowing the US to mine rare-earth minerals in parts of the island without requiring permits. Trump described the deal as “fantastic for the USA,” stating that it meets US national and international security needs. Rutte, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of cooperation with the US to protect the island from external threats.
Following his meeting with Rutte, Trump announced that he would drop his threat to impose new tariffs on European countries opposing his claim on Greenland. The agreement marks a significant development in the US’s efforts to expand its military presence in the Arctic region. The deal’s implications for regional security and the US-Denmark relationship are likely to be closely watched in the coming days.
The US has long been interested in expanding its presence in Greenland, citing strategic and security concerns. The island’s unique geography and natural resources make it an attractive location for military bases and mineral extraction. As the deal moves forward, it is likely to face scrutiny from European officials and other stakeholders, who will be watching to see how the agreement is implemented and what implications it may have for the region.
