Fears in Denmark over powers defence deal gives to US troops

When Copenhagen signed a defence agreement giving the US "unhindered access" to Danish airbases in December 2023, the idea of granting sweeping powers to US forces on Danish soil was quite a different proposition from what it is today.

- Miranda Bryant

The US, then under the Biden administration, was an unwavering Nato ally that Denmark had followed into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Denmark's Nordic neighbours Sweden, Finland and Norway had similar agreements with the US.

But then Donald Trump returned to power, making an unprecedented push to acquire or seize Greenland, a strategically vital part of the Danish kingdom. He has refused to rule out using military force to take over the island, and US intelligence agencies have reportedly been ordered to increase espionage in the territory.

As Denmark prepares to adopt the agreement next month after a vote in parliament on 11 June, when it is expected to be approved, fears are growing about its potential implications.