Greenland parliament votes 16-0 to ratify U.S. security deal, clearing way for two new American bases
Editorial illustration — Press Pass USAGreenland's parliament voted 16-0 on Tuesday to ratify the Arctic island's security agreement with the United States and Denmark, clearing the way for two new American military bases on the island and for President Donald Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system.
Seven lawmakers abstained in the vote in Nuuk, the capital of the self-governing Danish territory. Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede described the ratification as another important step for the island.
The agreement was signed in September by Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was aimed at ending tensions after Trump's repeated threats to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island, a self-governing territory of Denmark and a NATO ally.
The deal expands the U.S. military's role in Greenland, allowing Washington to modernize and expand its activities there and to build the two new bases. At the same time, it reaffirms Danish sovereignty over Greenland and Greenlanders' right to self-determination — and it would still apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence.
The agreement is not yet in force. Denmark's parliament is due to give the bill a first reading on November 11, followed by a second reading and a vote on November 19. The deal will enter into force once the parliamentary processes of Denmark and Greenland are completed; approval from the U.S. Senate is not required.
Greenland, most of which lies inside the Arctic Circle, has long been strategically important to the United States, which already operates the Pituffik Space Base in the island's northwest. The ratification marks a major step in resolving a dispute that had strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen, even as the final Danish vote remains weeks away.
Sources: Reuters, “Greenland lawmakers set to ratify Trump security deal” (Nov. 3, 2026); Associated Press / PA News Agency, “Greenland parliament approves security deal with US, Denmark” (Nov. 3, 2026); Al Jazeera, “Greenland parliament approves security deal with US, Denmark” (Nov. 3, 2026).
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