Military and political representatives of NATO countries are considering a scenario in which Denmark may transfer control over certain areas of Greenland to the United States for the placement of American military bases. This is reported by sources familiar with the course of closed consultations within the Alliance.
According to journalists, high-ranking military officials from NATO member countries discussed a compromise option whereby the U.S. would gain actual sovereignty over limited areas in Greenland. It is anticipated that these areas will be used exclusively for military purposes – for the construction and expansion of American base infrastructure. This information has been confirmed by three sources involved in the negotiations.
It is noted that two officials present at the meeting compared the possible model to British military bases in Cyprus. These territories are formally located outside of the United Kingdom but are considered British sovereign territory and are used by London for military and strategic purposes.
At the same time, the publication's interlocutors emphasized that it is currently unclear whether the discussed option is part of a broader agreement previously announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. There has been no official confirmation that the land transfer is included in a specific political plan or treaty.
In response to journalists' inquiries, NATO stated that consultations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are ongoing. The Alliance emphasized that the main goal of the negotiations is to prevent increased Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
The negotiations are aimed at ensuring that Russia and China never gain an economic or military foothold in Greenland,” NATO's official statement says.
Greenland has been gaining increasing strategic importance in recent years due to its geographical position in the Arctic, as well as against the backdrop of rising competition among world powers for control over northern routes and resources. The U.S. already has military infrastructure on the island; however, the possible transfer of additional territories could significantly expand the American military presence in the region.