Le ministre canadien de la Défense qualifie l'accord américain sur le Groenland d'"encourageant"

Trump announced a security agreement granting the U.S. “permanent control” over Greenland’s defense, marking a major shift in Arctic geopolitics. The deal, which he described as an “Infinite Life” agreement with no expiration, was announced on September 19, 2026, during a speech on his Truth Social platform. According to Trump, the agreement ensures that no U.S. adversary, particularly China and Russia, can establish a military presence or sensitive investments in Greenland without U.S. approval. The agreement is expected to be formally signed by Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. during the United Nations General Assembly in New York later that week. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised the deal as “good for NATO and Europe,” emphasizing that it recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Danish kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. She stated the agreement strengthens common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region. While the exact terms remain undisclosed, Frederiksen noted that the pact requires parliamentary ratification by both Denmark and Greenland before it becomes enforceable. The agreement follows months of intense diplomatic pressure from Trump, who, since returning to the presidency in January 2025, has repeatedly demanded that Denmark sell or cede Greenland to the U.S. He initially refused to rule out using military force to achieve this goal, citing strategic concerns over the island’s location in the Arctic. Trump claimed Greenland was “surrounded” by Russian and Chinese naval forces, making it vital for U.S. security interests. Despite Trump’s threats, Denmark and Greenland have maintained their stance on maintaining the island’s autonomy under Danish sovereignty. However, the recent agreement appears to grant the U.S. expanded military influence without formal territorial transfer. A Danish military frigate was recently stationed in Nuuk, Greenland, highlighting increased U.S.-Danish cooperation in the region. The U.S. State Department confirmed that the agreement bars China and Russia from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without U.S. approval. It also grants the U.S. “complete ability to do what it deems necessary” in Greenland to protect the American continent, including permanent access, basing, and overflight rights. This includes preventing any unauthorized military presence or infrastructure projects by foreign powers. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed support for the deal, stating it strengthens the island’s security and reinforces cooperation within NATO and the broader Western alliance. He emphasized that the agreement respects Greenland’s position in international cooperation. Meanwhile, residents of Copenhagen generally welcomed the news, viewing it as a positive step toward resolving a long-standing diplomatic dispute. Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty also voiced encouragement over the U.S.-Greenland deal, noting that it represents progress in Arctic security cooperation. He highlighted the importance of Arctic nations working together to address emerging challenges, particularly given the increasing strategic interest in the region. McGuinty pointed out that the agreement aligns with broader NATO efforts to recognize the Arctic as part of its collective responsibility. The agreement comes amid heightened tensions over Arctic resource exploitation and geopolitical competition. With climate change accelerating ice melt and opening new shipping routes, the region has become a focal point for global power dynamics. The U.S. has sought to bolster its military footprint in the Arctic, while Russia and China have also increased their presence in the area. The deal is expected to face further scrutiny as it moves through the legislative processes in both Denmark and Greenland. Until then, the agreement remains a subject of debate among political analysts, who note its potential implications for regional stability and international law. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming signing ceremony, which will take place during the U.N. General Assembly.