US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has reached a framework agreement with NATO regarding Greenland, a move that temporarily ends his threat to impose new tariffs on the European Union starting in February.

 The announcement followed a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and signals a new phase in the geopolitical dispute over the Arctic.

After stating at the World Economic Forum in Davos that it was “stupid” to return Greenland after World War II and insisting that only Washington can guarantee the territory’s security, Trump said he had “established the framework” for a future understanding over the island, which remains an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.

“After a very productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we have established the framework for a future agreement regarding Greenland, and in fact the entire Arctic region,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 

He stressed, however, that the deal is only a first step and not yet final. “If completed, this solution will be very beneficial for the United States and all NATO countries,” he added.

As an immediate consequence of the preliminary agreement, Trump announced that he will reverse the tariffs that were set to take effect on February 1.

 “I will not impose the tariffs that were scheduled,” he said, signaling a temporary easing of tensions with European allies who had expressed growing concern over Washington’s trade pressure and its stance on Greenland.

Diverse international context for Greenland

In the same context, Trump confirmed that his administration has launched discussions on the so-called “Golden Dome” in relation to Greenland. 

The project refers to a missile defense system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but designed with a far greater range to intercept long-distance missile threats and strengthen US homeland defense.

According to Trump, incorporating Greenland into the Golden Dome would significantly expand the system’s protective reach. “More information will be provided as discussions progress,” he said, adding that Vice President J. D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the talks and report directly to him.

Some European leaders welcomed the announcement. Italian Prime Minister Meloni expressed satisfaction with Trump’s decision to suspend tariffs, emphasizing that “it is essential to continue promoting dialogue among allied nations,” a view shared by several EU governments seeking to avoid further escalation.

Trump nevertheless reignited controversy by reiterating in Davos that returning Greenland was a mistake and that the United States should control the territory. 

He argued that the island has become a critical element of global security due to the development of missiles, nuclear weapons and advanced warfare technologies, while accusing Denmark of failing to fully meet its NATO obligations.

“Every NATO ally has an obligation to defend its own territory,” Trump said, before claiming that “no nation or group of nations is in a position to secure Greenland except the United States.”

Trump linked his position to the increasingly volatile international environment, warning that global risks are higher than ever. He argued that Greenland did not hold the same strategic importance when it was returned decades ago, but has since become central to Arctic and transatlantic security.