Trump administration prepares Greenland deal and does not rule out a military scenario
The administration of US President Donald Trump is working on a draft agreement on Greenland that can be offered to the island's authorities. It is reported by The Economist. According to the publication, Washington is discussing the format of a Free Association Agreement, which provides for financial support and improved living standards in exchange for the transfer of security and defence powers to the United States.
The United States already has similar agreements with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. They guarantee the internal self-governance of the partners, while at the same time securing Washington's key role in defence matters. In the case of Greenland, according to the publication, the goal of the White House policy is twofold. It is to increase disagreements between the island's authorities and Denmark, as well as to try to negotiate directly with the island's administration, bypassing Copenhagen. Previously, such attempts have been rejected.
Public statements by the US president have added to the tension. on 4 January, Trump said that the US needed Greenland for national security reasons. Two days later, the White House signalled that it was considering a wide range of options, including the use of force. These words caused a shock in Greenland and Denmark and concern among European leaders, although the prospect of direct annexation is assessed as unlikely.
The Economist reminds that there is already an American military base on the island. The current agreements with Denmark do not limit the number of US troops, but a significant increase in the contingent may require Copenhagen's consent. Against this backdrop, the debate over Greenland is gaining a broader geopolitical dimension, particularly in the context of Arctic security and NATO's interests.
Photo: Johan Nilsson TT picture alliance
