# What the 2026 US–Denmark–Greenland defense agreement changes[^about]
A text-based guide to the 2026 Greenland defense agreement, its effective date, access rules, investment limits, and independence clause.
## Is the 2026 Greenland defense agreement in force? {#is-2026-greenland-defense-agreement-in-force}
**Short answer.** The 2026 Greenland defense agreement is not in force on signature; it takes effect on the date of a diplomatic note informing the United States that Denmark and Greenland have completed their necessary parliamentary procedures. [^2026-entry-into-force]
The agreement was done at New York on September 22, 2026. [^2026-language] Article XII makes the diplomatic note, not that date, the event that brings it into force. [^2026-entry-into-force] If the English, Danish, and Greenlandic versions are ambiguous or conflict, the English version prevails. [^2026-language]
The earlier agreements used different formulations. The 1951 agreement required Danish parliamentary approval and took effect when notice of that approval was given to the United States. [^1951-entry-into-force] The 2004 agreement took effect when it was signed. [^2004-entry-into-force]
> [!NOTE]
> **Practice note.**
>
> This guide does not report whether the diplomatic note specified in Article XII has been issued. Readers should confirm its issuance and date with an official source before treating the 2026 agreement as operative. [^2026-entry-into-force]
## How do selected provisions of the 2026 Greenland agreement compare with the 1951 and 2004 texts? {#what-2026-agreement-changes-from-1951}
**Short answer.** Compared with the selected 1951 and 2004 text, the 2026 Greenland defense agreement has no end date, allows expansion at Pituffik Space Base and an additional defense area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, states the right of movement between defense areas without the earlier reference to rules issued by the Danish authority, adds undersea access for United States public vessels, and contains rules on non-NATO military presence, investment, construction near defense areas, and Greenlandic independence. [^2026-duration][^2026-defense-areas][^1951-movement][^2026-movement][^2026-overflight-undersea][^2026-third-states][^2026-investment][^2026-construction][^2026-independence]
This table compares selected wording in the 1951 and 2004 texts only. It does not consolidate the Defense Arrangements or state the complete legal position immediately before the 2026 agreement. The 2026 agreement defines "‘Defense Arrangements’"[^2026-defense-arrangements] as the 1951 agreement plus later amending and supplementing agreements and related non-binding arrangements set out in Annex 1. [^2026-defense-arrangements] Other instruments in Annex 1, which is itself non-exhaustive, are outside this comparison.
| Provision | Selected provisions in the 1951 and 2004 texts | 2026 agreement |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Purpose | Article I tied the parties' measures in Greenland to their respective and joint responsibilities "in accordance with NATO plans"[^1951-purpose]. [^1951-purpose] | Article I refers to defense of the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland, and the American continent, while respecting Greenlandic society's interests and providing it benefits. [^2026-objective] |
| Duration and amendment | The 1951 agreement lasts for the duration of the North Atlantic Treaty, and modifications require mutual consent. [^1951-duration][^1951-amendment] The 2004 agreement runs for the duration of the 1951 agreement and may be amended by mutual agreement. [^2004-duration] | Article XI gives the 2026 agreement no end date and permits amendment only by mutual consent under Article XIII of the 1951 agreement. [^2026-duration] |
| Defense areas | Article II contemplated defense areas that the two governments might agree were necessary under NATO defense plans and that Denmark was unable to establish and operate singlehanded. [^1951-defense-areas] In 2004, Thule Air Base was the only defense area, and Article II continued to govern new areas. Article 3(1)(c) also required consultation and information before significant changes to United States military operations or facilities. [^2004-defense-areas][^2004-significant-changes] | Article IV allows modernization and expansion at Pituffik Space Base, an additional defense area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig on mutually agreed modalities and technical details, and additional defense areas under the process stated there. [^2026-defense-areas] |
| Movement between defense areas | Article V(3) provided free access and movement between defense areas, but placed that right under "general rules mutually agreed upon and issued by the appropriate Danish authority in Greenland"[^1951-movement]. [^1951-movement] | Article VI states a right of free access and movement between defense areas without that sentence's qualifier. It separately requires the rights to be exercised in a manner that respects Greenlandic society and the Greenlandic way of life to the maximum extent possible. [^2026-movement][^2026-society] |
| Overflight and undersea access | Article V(3) allowed United States aircraft to fly over and land anywhere in Greenland, subject to mutually agreed restrictions. Article 3(1)(b) of the 2004 text required consultation and information for planned military aircraft landings outside airports in the exceptional case described there, to protect the environment and hunting areas. [^1951-overflight][^2004-off-airport-landings] | Article VI retains aircraft overflight and landing and adds undersea access and movement in territorial waters for United States public vessels, subject to mutually agreed restrictions. [^2026-overflight-undersea] |
| Non-NATO military presence | Article IV made defense areas available, so far as practicable, to vessels, aircraft, and armed forces of other NATO governments. [^1951-other-nato] | Article IX bars a non-NATO state from its own manned or unmanned military installations or a persistent military-force presence in Greenland unless the Parties agree otherwise. [^2026-third-states] |
| Investment screening | — | Article X restricts specified positions in particularly sensitive sectors or activities for states and investors outside its NATO, NATO-partner, or European Union categories, subject to the stated exception. [^2026-investment] |
| Construction near defense areas | — | Article VII provides that territory near a defense area must not be used in a way that threatens its security. It lets the United States raise concerns about specified construction or changed use. The Parties then mutually determine what steps may be necessary. [^2026-construction] |
| Independence | — | Article XI requires Denmark and Greenland to ensure that an independent Greenland agrees to remain in NATO, including by applying for membership if necessary, and assumes Denmark's rights and obligations under the specified agreements and arrangements. [^2026-independence] |
An em dash means that this table does not summarize an earlier-text comparator for that row; it does not establish the absence of other applicable provisions.
## Can the United States set up new military bases in Greenland under the 2026 agreement? {#can-united-states-set-up-new-bases-greenland}
**Short answer.** Article IV of the 2026 Greenland defense agreement permits the United States to establish additional defense areas in Greenland and requires the Parties to decide implementation details by mutual agreement through consultations. [^2026-defense-areas-2][^2026-new-area-process]
Article IV separately allows the United States to modernize and expand its activities at Pituffik Space Base. It also allows an additional defense area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig "in accordance with modalities and technical details to be mutually agreed by the Parties"[^2026-defense-areas-2]. [^2026-defense-areas-2]
For other additional defense areas, either Party may identify a need. That Party must propose the location, scope, size, activities, and mitigating measures, including measures that account for the named 1991 and 2004 environmental instruments. [^2026-new-area-need][^2026-new-area-proposal] The Parties must convene immediately in the Permanent Committee to decide implementation details by mutual agreement. If the committee has not reached agreement within 90 days, the consultations escalate first to deputy-minister level and then to minister level. [^2026-new-area-process] Article IV does not say what happens if consultations at minister level also end without agreement. [^2026-new-area-process]
Article V addresses unmanned military installations outside defense areas. Denmark together with Greenland must review a request under accelerated governmental approval procedures. Article IV(iv) applies to their establishment, maintenance, and servicing. [^2026-unmanned][^2026-unmanned-contracts] Article IV requires the United States to award contracts to commercial enterprises for goods and services related to the establishment, maintenance and servicing of defense areas to Greenlandic sources to the maximum extent possible, taking account of capability and feasibility. [^2026-contracts]
## Who is restricted from investing in Greenland under the 2026 agreement? {#who-restricted-investing-greenland-2026}
**Short answer.** Article X of the 2026 Greenland defense agreement restricts states and investors from states outside the NATO-member, NATO-partner and European Union categories from holding control, significant influence, or access to non-public information that may threaten national security or public order within Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities in Greenland, subject to agreement by the Parties that the activities would not pose such a threat. [^2026-investment-2]
The three restricted positions are control, significant influence, and access to non-public information that may threaten national security or public order. The restriction applies within Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities in Greenland, including its territorial waters. It does not apply when the Parties agree that the activities would not threaten national security or public order. [^2026-investment-2]
Article III defines "‘Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities’"[^2026-sensitive-sectors] to include, but not be limited to, critical infrastructure and resource extraction. The list is therefore open-ended. [^2026-sensitive-sectors]
Greenland must ensure the Article X objective through its application of current or future investment-screening laws, in close cooperation with Danish authorities. Relevant Danish authorities must closely consult relevant United States authorities and other partners. Those authorities will determine the consultation's specific modalities. [^2026-screening-laws][^2026-investment-consultation]
## What happens to the defense agreement if Greenland becomes independent? {#what-happens-defense-agreement-greenland-independent}
**Short answer.** If Greenland becomes independent, Article XI of the 2026 Greenland defense agreement requires Denmark and Greenland together to ensure that the independent state agrees to remain in NATO, including by applying for membership if necessary, and affirmatively assumes Denmark's specified rights and obligations from the date of independence. [^2026-independence-2]
The assumption obligation covers Denmark's rights and obligations under the 2026 agreement, its implementation agreements or arrangements, and the Defense Arrangements. [^2026-independence-2]
[^about]: By Steven Obiajulu, J.D. Published by [openagreements.org](https://openagreements.org). Last reviewed 2026-09-23. License: CC BY 4.0. Steven Obiajulu, J.D. edits this topic article for United States · Denmark · Greenland (treaty text) coverage. It synthesizes legal sources and is not legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Source excerpts and linked materials belong to their owners. CC BY 4.0. Cite as Steven Obiajulu, *What the 2026 US–Denmark–Greenland defense agreement changes*, OpenAgreements (last updated September 23, 2026), https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/international-agreements/us-denmark-greenland-defense-agreement-2026.
[^2026-entry-into-force]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of a diplomatic note informing the United States of the completion of necessary parliamentary procedures by the Kingdom of Denmark together with Greenland." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. XII.*
[^2026-language]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Done at New York on the 22nd day of September, 2026, in triplicate in the English, Danish, and Greenlandic languages. In the event of ambiguity or conflict between the versions, the English language version shall prevail." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. XII.*
[^1951-entry-into-force]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "This Agreement shall be subject to parliamentary approval in Denmark. It shall come into force on the day on which notice of such parliamentary approval is given to the Government of the United States of America." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. XIV(1).*
[^2004-entry-into-force]: **2004 Igaliku Agreement** — "This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature, and shall remain in force for the duration of the Defense Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the Parties." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the Agreement of April 27, 1951, U.S.-Den., Aug. 6, 2004, T.I.A.S. No. 04-806, art. 4.*
[^2026-duration]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "This Agreement does not have an end date and may only be amended by mutual consent in accordance with Article XIII of the 1951 Defense Agreement." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. XI.*
[^2026-defense-areas]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The Parties shall make best use of the procedures set out in the Defense Arrangements, including the 1951 Defense Agreement and the 2004 Igaliku Agreement, as amended and supplemented herein, to enable the following: i. The United States shall be allowed to modernize and expand its activities in Pituffik Space Base; ii. The United States shall be allowed to establish an additional Defense Area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig in accordance with modalities and technical details to be mutually agreed by the Parties; iii. The United States may establish additional defense areas in Greenland and strengthen its military operations or facilities." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV.*
[^1951-movement]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "In keeping with the provisions of Article VI of this Agreement, and in accordance with general rules mutually agreed upon and issued by the appropriate Danish authority in Greenland, the Government of the United States of America may enjoy, for its public vessels and aircraft and its armed forces and vehicles, the right of free access to and movement between the defense areas through Greenland, including territorial waters, by land, air and sea." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. V(3).*
[^2026-movement]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "With a view to ensuring a secure and effective operation of the Defense Areas, the United States of America shall enjoy, for its public vessels and aircraft and its armed forces and vehicles, the right of free access to and movement between the Defense Areas through Greenland, including the Territorial Waters, by land, air and sea." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. VI.*
[^2026-overflight-undersea]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "United States aircraft may fly over and land in any territory in Greenland, including the Territorial Waters, and United States public vessels may have undersea access to and movement within the Territorial Waters, without restriction except as mutually agreed upon by the Parties; United States public vessels shall be given such additional access to and movement within the Territorial Waters as isagreed to by the Parties at any given time to be required by the military situation for the defense of the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland, and the American continent, or for other purposes as may be agreed bythe Parties." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. VI.*
[^2026-third-states]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "No state that is not a member of NATO shall be allowed to establish its own manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland nor shall they be allowed a persistent presence of military forces in Greenland, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IX.*
[^2026-investment]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Given the threat to national security and public order posed by increased efforts by adversaries to expand influence and control in Greenland, the Parties agree that states or investors from a state that is not a member of NATO, a NATO partner, or an EU member state shall not be allowed to have (i) control, (ii) significant influence, or (iii) access to non-public information that may constitute a threat to national security or public order within Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities in the territory of Greenland (including the Territorial Waters), unless agreed between the Parties that the activities of such states or investors would not constitute a threat to national security or public order." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. X.*
[^2026-construction]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The Parties agree that the territory in the vicinity of a Defense Area shall not be used in any manner that threatens the security of the Defense Area. In order to implement this requirement, the Parties intend to cooperate with respect to ensuring the security of the Defense Areas. The United States shall have the right to raise concerns regarding construction, or change of use in a manner that threatens a Defense Area, of any building, facility, or installation in the vicinity of the Defense Area. Upon such notification the Parties shall mutually determine what steps may be necessary to address any threat." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. VII.*
[^2026-independence]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "In case Greenland exercises its right to self-determination to become independent, the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland shall together ensure that the independent Greenlandic state will (i) agree to remain in NATO, including by applying to become a member if necessary, and (ii) affirmatively assume, as from the date of independence, all of the rights and obligations of the Kingdom of Denmark specified in this Agreement, including any implementation agreements or arrangements between the Parties, as well as the Defense Arrangements." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. XI.*
[^2026-defense-arrangements]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "‘Defense Arrangements’ means the 1951 Defense Agreement, together with subsequent amending and supplementing agreements and related non-binding arrangements between the Parties, as set out in Annex 1." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. III.*
[^1951-purpose]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, in order to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic Treaty area by uniting their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security and for the development of their collective capacity to resist armed attack, will each take such measures as are necessary or appropriate to carry out expeditiously their respective and joint responsibilities in Greenland, in accordance with NATO plans." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. I.*
[^2026-objective]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "This Agreement amending and supplementing the Defense Arrangements shall facilitate the ability of the Parties to take any measures necessary or appropriate to carry out expeditiously their respective and joint responsibilities in Greenland, including to defend the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland, and the American continent, while respecting the interests of and providing benefits for the Greenlandic society." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. I.*
[^1951-duration]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "This Agreement, being in implementation of the North Atlantic Treaty, shall remain in effect for the duration of the North Atlantic Treaty." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. XIV(2).*
[^1951-amendment]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "The two Governments agree to give sympathetic consideration to any representations which either may make after this Agreement has been in force a reasonable time, proposing a review of this Agreement to determine whether modifications in the light of experience or amended NATO plans are necessary or desirable. Any such modifications shall be by mutual consent." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. XIII(3).*
[^2004-duration]: **2004 Igaliku Agreement** — "This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature, and shall remain in force for the duration of the Defense Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the Parties." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the Agreement of April 27, 1951, U.S.-Den., Aug. 6, 2004, T.I.A.S. No. 04-806, art. 4.*
[^1951-defense-areas]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "In order that the Government of the United States of America as a party to the North Atlantic Treaty may assist the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark by establishing and/or operating such defense areas as the two Governments, on the basis of NATO defense plans, may from time to time agree to be necessary for the development of the defense of Greenland and the rest of the North Atlantic Treaty area, and which the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark is unable to establish and operate singlehanded, the two Governments in respect of the defense areas thus selected, agree to the following:" *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. II.*
[^2004-defense-areas]: **2004 Igaliku Agreement** — "Thule Air Base is the only defense area in Greenland. The provisions of Article II of the Defense Agreement shall apply to the establishment of new defense areas." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the Agreement of April 27, 1951, U.S.-Den., Aug. 6, 2004, T.I.A.S. No. 04-806, art. 1.*
[^2004-significant-changes]: **2004 Igaliku Agreement** — "Consistent with the Defense Agreement, as amended herein, and the Memorandum of Understanding of March 13, 1991, and without prejudice to other relevant agreements and arrangements between the Parties, the Government of the United States will consult with and inform the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Home Rule Government of Greenland, prior to the implementation of any significant changes to United States military operations or facilities in Greenland." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the Agreement of April 27, 1951, U.S.-Den., Aug. 6, 2004, T.I.A.S. No. 04-806, art. 3(1)(c).*
[^2026-society]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "These rights must be exercised in a manner that respects the Greenlandic society and the Greenlandic way of life, including hunting, fishing, and other traditional, cultural, historical, and other future activities, to the maximum extent possible." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. VI.*
[^1951-overflight]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "United States aircraft may fly over and land in any territory in Greenland, including the territorial waters thereof, without restriction except as mutually agreed upon." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. V(3).*
[^2004-off-airport-landings]: **2004 Igaliku Agreement** — "In the exceptional case of planned landings of military aircraft in Greenland outside airports, the Government of the United States consults with and informs the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Home Rule Government of Greenland, in order to ensure due protection of the environment and hunting areas in Greenland." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the Agreement of April 27, 1951, U.S.-Den., Aug. 6, 2004, T.I.A.S. No. 04-806, art. 3(1)(b).*
[^1951-other-nato]: **1951 Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland** — "In connection with activities for the defense of Greenland and the rest of the North Atlantic Treaty area, the defense areas will, so far as practicable, be made available to vessels and aircraft belonging to other Governments parties to the North Atlantic Treaty and to the armed forces of such Governments." *Agreement Concerning the Defense of Greenland, U.S.-Den., Apr. 27, 1951, 2 U.S.T. 1485, art. IV.*
[^2026-defense-areas-2]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The Parties shall make best use of the procedures set out in the Defense Arrangements, including the 1951 Defense Agreement and the 2004 Igaliku Agreement, as amended and supplemented herein, to enable the following: i. The United States shall be allowed to modernize and expand its activities in Pituffik Space Base; ii. The United States shall be allowed to establish an additional Defense Area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig in accordance with modalities and technical details to be mutually agreed by the Parties; iii. The United States may establish additional defense areas in Greenland and strengthen its military operations or facilities." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV.*
[^2026-new-area-process]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The Parties shall immediately convene to engage in consultations through the Permanent Committee to decide implementation details based on mutual agreement. If no agreement is reached within 90 days at the Permanent Committee, consultations shall escalate to the deputy minister level, followed by the minister level; iv. The United States shall award all contracts to commercial enterprises for goods and services related to the establishment, maintenance and servicing, including, but not limited to, construction and dismantling projects, of Defense Areas in Greenland to Greenlandic sources to the maximum extent possible, taking into account the capabilities and feasibility of such sources to implement contracts." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV.*
[^2026-new-area-need]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Either Party may identify the need for a new Defense Area for the defense of the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland, and the American continent." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV.*
[^2026-new-area-proposal]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Such Party shall provide a proposal describing the location, scope, size, and types of activities of the proposed Defense Area as well as other modalities such as mitigating measures, including those necessary to take account of the 1991 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2004 Joint Declaration." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV(iii).*
[^2026-unmanned]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The Kingdom of Denmark together with Greenland shall review requests to establish unmanned military installations in Greenland outside of the Defense Areas under accelerated governmental approval procedures." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. V.*
[^2026-unmanned-contracts]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Article IV(iv.) of this Agreement shall apply to the establishment, maintenance, and servicing of such unmanned military installations." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. V.*
[^2026-contracts]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The United States shall award all contracts to commercial enterprises for goods and services related to the establishment, maintenance and servicing, including, but not limited to, construction and dismantling projects, of Defense Areas in Greenland to Greenlandic sources to the maximum extent possible, taking into account the capabilities and feasibility of such sources to implement contracts." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. IV.*
[^2026-investment-2]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Given the threat to national security and public order posed by increased efforts by adversaries to expand influence and control in Greenland, the Parties agree that states or investors from a state that is not a member of NATO, a NATO partner, or an EU member state shall not be allowed to have (i) control, (ii) significant influence, or (iii) access to non-public information that may constitute a threat to national security or public order within Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities in the territory of Greenland (including the Territorial Waters), unless agreed between the Parties that the activities of such states or investors would not constitute a threat to national security or public order." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. X.*
[^2026-sensitive-sectors]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "‘Particularly Sensitive Sectors or Activities’ means sectors or activities determined to be particularly sensitive, including but not limited to critical infrastructure and the extraction of resources." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. III.*
[^2026-screening-laws]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "The objective shall be ensured by Greenland in close cooperation with the authorities of the Kingdom of Denmark in its application of any of its current or future investment screening laws." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. X.*
[^2026-investment-consultation]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "Relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Denmark shall engage in close consultation with relevant United States authorities and other partners. The specific modalities for that close consultation shall be determined by the relevant authorities." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. X.*
[^2026-independence-2]: **2026 Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement** — "In case Greenland exercises its right to self-determination to become independent, the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland shall together ensure that the independent Greenlandic state will (i) agree to remain in NATO, including by applying to become a member if necessary, and (ii) affirmatively assume, as from the date of independence, all of the rights and obligations of the Kingdom of Denmark specified in this Agreement, including any implementation agreements or arrangements between the Parties, as well as the Defense Arrangements." *Agreement Amending and Supplementing the 1951 Defense Agreement, U.S.-Den.-Greenl., Sept. 22, 2026, art. XI.*
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