Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has indicated the country’s readiness to discuss the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative with the United States. Her remarks came following conversations between President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on March 15, 2024. While Frederiksen is open to negotiations on political, security, investment, and economic matters, she firmly stated that Denmark’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.
Frederiksen emphasized, “We can negotiate on everything political; security, investments, economy. But we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.” This position reaffirms Denmark’s commitment to its territorial integrity while remaining engaged with international partners, particularly regarding Arctic security.
Framework Deal and Greenland’s Future
The discussions come in the wake of a shifting dynamic between the U.S. and Denmark concerning Greenland. On March 14, Trump announced that a “framework” for a long-term deal involving Greenland has been established. Reports indicate that NATO Secretary General Rutte reiterated Denmark’s authority within the proposal, which seeks to modernize a 1951 defense pact to enhance U.S. military cooperation, particularly in Greenland under the Golden Dome initiative.
The proposed deal may include provisions allowing the U.S. to exert veto power over mineral investments in Greenland, aiming to deter influence from Russia and China. During his address in Davos, Trump ruled out any military actions regarding the Arctic territory and retracted prior threats of tariffs against European allies.
Earlier that week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that a delegation from Denmark and Greenland had agreed to continue technical discussions about Greenland’s future. However, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen refuted the notion of acquisition talks, stressing that respect for Denmark’s territorial integrity and the wishes of the Greenlandic people are essential for any successful dialogue.
Denmark’s approach reflects a careful balance between engaging with the U.S. while safeguarding its national interests. As discussions progress, the Kingdom of Denmark is expected to maintain open lines of communication with its allies, ensuring that any agreements resonate with the values of sovereignty and regional security.
