Overview

• U.S. officials are discussing a Compact of Free Association (COFA) to bring Greenland into closer alignment with American interests without full annexation.
• The proposed COFA would grant the U.S. military access and economic ties in exchange for providing essential services and trade benefits to Greenland.
• Greenland would likely need to achieve independence from Denmark for such an agreement to be viable, a prospect that faces significant legal and political challenges.
• Greenlandic leaders and the Danish government have strongly opposed U.S. acquisition efforts, emphasizing Greenland's sovereignty and independence aspirations.
• The U.S. views Greenland as strategically important due to its rare earth minerals and Arctic location, which are critical for security and economic interests.