In brief
Greenland’s parliament approved a defense agreement with the United States and Denmark, receiving 16 votes in favor and none against, with seven abstentions. The deal still requires approval by the Danish parliament, scheduled to begin on Nov. 12 and finish on Nov. 19, before it can take effect. Signed in late September, the pact updates a 1951 defense agreement and aims to bolster NATO’s role in Arctic security.
On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Greenland’s parliament approved a defence agreement with the United States and Denmark that will expand the American military presence on the Arctic island.
According to Danish broadcaster DR, the agreement received 16 votes in favour, with no opposition and seven lawmakers abstaining after a parliamentary debate.
The pact, signed in late September by representatives of the U.S., Denmark and Greenland, updates a 1951 defence pact and seeks to strengthen NATO’s role in Arctic security.
It now requires approval from the Danish parliament, where the legislative process is scheduled to begin on 12 November and conclude on 19 November. The agreement will enter into force once the U.S. receives official notification that both the Greenlandic and Danish parliaments have approved it.
The decision follows months of tension sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for American control or ownership of Greenland.
