The US, then under the Biden administration, was an unwavering Nato ally that Denmark had followed into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Nordic neighbours Sweden, Finland and Norway had similar agreements with the US.
But then Donald Trump returned to power, making an unprecedented push to acquire or seize Greenland, a strategically vital part of the Danish kingdom. He has refused to rule out using military force to take over the island, and US intelligence agencies have reportedly been ordered to increase espionage in the territory.
Now, little more than a year on, as Denmark prepares to adopt the agreement next month after a vote in parliament on 11 June, when it is expected to be approved, fears are growing about its potential implications. […]
The Danish ministry of defence told the Guardian that the new agreement would “authorise the US forces to exercise all rights and authority necessary for US forces’ use, operation, defence or control of agreed facilities and areas.” It would, they said, include “taking proportionate measures to maintain or restore order and to protect US forces, US contractors, Danish contractors and dependents”.
The spokesperson said these rights and authorities must be exercised in accordance with security plans that have been coordinated with appropriate authorities of Denmark.
“The Danish authorities will oversee how the security plans are implemented in practice in cooperation with US forces. The authority given to US forces on Danish territory according to article 6 is therefore not unlimited,” the spokesperson added.
“Finally, it is important to mention that the agreement specifies that, as a general principle for the agreement in its entirety, all activities under it are to be conducted with full respect for the sovereignty, constitution and constitutional practice, laws, and international legal obligations of Denmark.” Läs artikel