Trump is preparing a free association agreement with Greenland

Trump is preparing a direct offer to Greenland to «deepen cooperation»

President of the United States Donald Trump is preparing a direct proposal to the Greenlandic authorities to «deepen cooperation», which may take the form of a so-called Free Association Agreement, according to The Economist.

What does the offer include

According to the publication, the model of free association provides for an increase in living standards, economic support and close cooperation with the United States in exchange for resolving defence issues. At the same time, Greenland will formally retain self-government.

Trump's strategy

Analysts say Trump is pursuing two goals at once:

• deepen the political divide between Denmark and Greenland;

• enter into direct negotiations with the island's local authorities, bypassing Copenhagen.

The White House's position

The White House, according to The Economist, The Greenlandic policy explicitly states that Greenland's future should be linked to the United States. This approach could pose a serious challenge to the unity of NATO and the European Union, given the strategic importance of the Arctic.

Context.

Greenland, which is formally part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is increasingly at the centre of geopolitical competition due to its strategic location and natural resources. Earlier, Trump's statements about the need for US control over the island had already provoked a sharp reaction in Europe.