Denmark rejects ceding Greenland sovereignty after reports of U.S.-NATO talks

Danish leaders pushed back on Thursday against any suggestion of giving up sovereignty over Greenland after reports that American and NATO officials discussed transferring sovereignty over U.S. military bases on the island. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, “Only Denmark and Greenland themselves can make decisions on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.” President Trump has said he reached a deal with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, though he did not disclose details, and it is not clear whether Denmark’s position could scuttle any agreement.

A senior Danish official said there have been no direct talks between Denmark and the United States about granting sovereign parcels of land. Western officials said one compromise discussed was that the United States could obtain sovereignty over land for its bases; the U.S. currently operates a remote missile defense station in Greenland with around 150 personnel and already enjoys broad military access under an American-Danish defense pact.

Officials in Greenland and elsewhere voiced alarm and frustration.

Key Topics

World, Greenland, Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, Donald Trump, Nato