Copenhagen, September 30, 2026 – The Europe Today: Denmark expects NATO to maintain an increased military presence in Greenland and the wider Arctic region over the long term following a new security agreement with the United States, Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus has said.
Speaking to Reuters in Brussels, Bruus said Denmark hoped NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, launched earlier this year to strengthen exercises and patrols in the region, would continue beyond this year and next and eventually become a permanent initiative.
“We are pretty positive that the increased military presence in Greenland — but also in the Arctic — will continue,” Bruus said, referring to signals from NATO allies.
The security agreement signed by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at the United Nations provides for an expanded US military presence in Greenland, including the modernization of the Pituffik Space Base and the establishment of additional defence areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. The agreement also supports stronger NATO engagement in the Arctic through planning, military presence, exercises and joint intelligence gathering.
Bruus said a stronger NATO role in the High North was important as climate change contributes to the opening of new Arctic shipping routes and increases strategic interest in the region from countries including Russia and China.
Under the agreement, which is described as having a permanent nature, NATO members are to strengthen cooperation in Arctic security. The accord also restricts non-NATO states from establishing military installations or maintaining a persistent military presence in Greenland unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
The development comes after months of tensions surrounding Washington’s interest in Greenland. The new agreement seeks to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security while maintaining Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark and recognizing its existing constitutional status.
