Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has expressed dissatisfaction with recent remarks made by the US regarding Denmark’s role in Greenland. The evidence provided in the comments comes from as spirited a discussion. It focuses specifically on the 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States, and the stationing of US military forces in Greenland. While the US has suggested that Denmark has not adequately protected Greenland, Rasmussen emphasized Denmark’s commitment to Arctic security and the nation’s willingness to cooperate with the US.
The US military presence in Greenland has been dramatically diminished from 1945, when thousands of soldiers were stationed there, down to some 200. As of now, this strategic presence is limited to the isolated Pituffik Space Base. The US administration further claimed that Denmark has failed to defend Greenland and suggested this after the cut. In return, they promised to provide improved security for the semi-autonomous Danish territory. In response, Denmark has promised large sums to strengthen Arctic defense.
Denmark’s Investment in Arctic Security
In 2022, Denmark doubled its investment in Arctic security, pledging an additional 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.1 billion) over the next five years to bolster defense initiatives. These investments would pay for three new naval vessels, long-range drones and additional satellites as part of a push to strengthen the region’s security architecture. Alongside all these financial obligations, the commitments signal Denmark’s willingness to continue protecting Greenland and its people, as well as continued stability in the Arctic region.
Rasmussen underscored the successes of these efforts and asserted that Denmark stands ready to continue working with the US to ease security concerns. Though he disapproved of the tone of some recent US statements, calling for a constructive dialogue among allies.
“Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
“But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies,” – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
Strategic Concerns Over Greenland
As mentioned in a recent Arctic grant alert, the US has sounded alarms over strategic ambitions by both Russia and China in Greenland. Today, this immense island – with incredible natural resources and strategic location – continues to be a centerpiece of intrigue by some of the world’s great powers. The US’ response has been to call upon Denmark to make greater investments in both Greenland’s security infrastructure and its people.
As recently noted by US Vice President JD Vance, Denmark is culpable for its underinvestment in Greenland.
“You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change,” – US Vice President JD Vance
Despite the Danish government’s silence, the pre-eminence of security in Denmark’s Arctic strategy is supported by recent defense investments. Open to fostering positive criticism, Denmark wants to engage in a productive conversation with its American peers.
The 1951 Defense Agreement
The 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the US forms a key basis for military cooperation on Greenland’s territory. This SOFA establishes and governs the status of US military forces in the island. Yet for all the recent frictions, both countries are aware of the importance of the exercises for ensuring regional security.
At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was happy to reaffirm Denmark’s longstanding and deeply-embedded alliance with the United States.
“For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations,” – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Even accounting for some communication missteps, both countries seem unwilling to see any future where they are not each other’s closest ally. Rasmussen underscored Denmark’s willingness to discuss changes to Denmark-U.S. defense cooperation.
“If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it,” – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
