New international security framework for Greenland: What it means for business
While much of the agreement concerns military infrastructure, access rights and NATO cooperation, two areas stand out as particularly relevant for businesses: the new investment-screening framework for sensitive sectors and the regime governing land use near defence areas.
The mineral resources industry now has to consider national security policies
Article X of the 2026 Defence Agreement is particularly significant for businesses investing or planning to invest in Greenland. It provides that states or investors from a country that is not a NATO member, NATO partner or EU Member State must not be allowed to obtain control, significant influence or access to non-public information that may pose a threat to national security or public order within "particularly sensitive sectors or activities". This expressly includes critical infrastructure and mineral resources.
The provision is broadly framed and its impact unclear at this point. Does it mean that the relevant authorities will look beyond the country of incorporation of a company to assess the origin of new investors coming into Greenland? Article X does not prescribe how situations with more complex corporate structures are to be assessed, making this a central implementation issue adding to the practical importance of the anticipated investment-screening act for Greenland. For more on the proposed rules, read our article Greenland proposes rules on screening of foreign direct investments.
It does seem that the 2026 Defence Agreement provides the United States with some form of veto right concerning specific investment screening decisions, because an otherwise restricted investment may proceed where the Parties agree that it does not pose a threat to national security or public order. However, it is not directly addressed whether the United States also has a right to weigh in on how screening is to be done in general in the first place, including in respect of more complex corporate structures.
Nevertheless, for mining businesses, early transaction planning will be even more critical under the new regime and will have to include national security policy considerations.
New opportunities in the defence industry
The United States will modernise and expand Pituffik Space Base, it will expectedly establish additional defence areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, and it may potentially create additional bases.
Contracts for the construction, maintenance and servicing of defence areas are to be awarded to Greenlandic providers to the maximum extent possible. This may generate new demand for Greenlandic and Danish businesses within construction, logistics, infrastructure and specialist supply chains.
Enforcement of private property rights
Article VII of the 2026 Defence Agreement provides that land in the vicinity of a defence area must not be used in a manner that threatens its security. The United States may raise concerns about construction or changes of use near a defence area, and the Parties must then jointly determine the measures necessary to address the perceived threat.
While this does not create a general power for the United States to interfere in private rights, proposed and existing projects near defence areas may become subject to national security-driven restrictions, conditions or relocation requirements. In certain cases, such interventions may amount to expropriation, triggering the constitutional right to damages for losses.
Plesner's teams across defence, mining and metals, and foreign investment are monitoring these developments closely. If you have questions about how the agreement may affect your business or investments in Greenland, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Read the agreement between Greenland, Denmark and the United States