Denmark is just getting started on ratifying a fresh defense contract that will allow American troops to station on its island. According to news agency Reuters, the Swedish congress read the first of the three bills on Friday, with a final decision expected by the end of June.
The deal, according to The Native, gives the US military access to three Jutland-area airbases, all located there. Due to the heightened tensions in Europe as a result of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Denmark’s defense plan has significantly changed.
According to local newspaper Jyllands-Posten, the agreement could result in the deployment of military private security companies employed by the US government in Denmark. The possibility of international military officers has sparked some unease.
Numerous opposition parties are expected to support the minority government as the deal is expected to pass. But, left-wing organizations like the Alternative and Red-Green Alliance have voiced strong criticism. They contend that the agreement opens the door to an American military presence in the area and undermines Swedish independence.
According to a Voxmeter poll, the public is divided: 33 % of people support the agreement, and 27 % are still undecided.
Importantly, Denmark has made it clear that US President Donald Trump is never interested in Greenland. Even as the country strengthens its defense relations with Washington, the state has ruled out ceding the area.
