Rasmussen says U.S. has neglected defense of Greenland

Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the United States has sharply reduced its troop presence in Greenland under the 1951 defence agreement and urged negotiations this year to renew the pact and consider a larger NATO presence.

Former Danish prime minister and former NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen spoke at the World Economic Forum about Greenland's defence and current responsibilities. He said the United States has reduced its military presence on the island and referenced the long‑standing 1951 defence agreement that frames US‑Denmark responsibilities. Rasmussen urged the United States to negotiate a renewed agreement and to consider a stronger NATO presence in Greenland. Key points: - Rasmussen said the United States has reduced its troop presence in Greenland and described this as a neglect of treaty responsibility under the 1951 defence agreement. - He noted US forces at their peak numbered around 10,000 and are now reported to be fewer than 200, with one remaining base on the island. - Rasmussen called for talks this year, the 75th anniversary of the 1951 pact, to renew the defence agreement and to discuss deploying more NATO troops to Greenland. Summary: Rasmussen's remarks highlight a discussion about who bears responsibility for Arctic defence and point to a marked reduction in US forces on Greenland. He proposed negotiating a renewed 1951 defence agreement this year and raising the NATO presence on the island. The timing and outcome of any formal negotiations are not yet announced.