Denmark may terminate its defense arrangement with the U.S. if Washington decides to withdraw from NATO.
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Controversy has been simmering in Denmark's political sphere due to a potential defense agreement with the US. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has confirmed that Denmark reserves the right to terminate the agreement if the US decides to leave Nato.
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Under the tentative terms of the deal, put forth to be approved by parliament this spring, neither country can exit the pact in the first ten years. But if the US decides to bail on Nato, Denmark won't be bound by the agreement, Rasmussen noted in a response to the Danish parliament.
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When opposition MP Sascha Faxe from the Alternative party questioned whether the deal prevents Denmark from leaving the agreement in its first ten years, assuming the US leaves Nato, Rasmussen wasn't able to confirm it. He explained that in exceptional circumstances, a treaty can be terminated. This could apply if there's a significant change in fundamental conditions, caused by actions of one of the parties[1][2].
In Rasmussen's response, he points out that Nato membership for both countries is a key principle of the defense cooperation agreement. Therefore, full and explicit withdrawal by the US from Nato would justify Denmark terminating the defense agreement[3]. There are no signs of the US leaving Nato at present, he added[3].
The deal, encompassing the deployment of US troops in Denmark, made its first appearance in parliament on Friday, having secured government endorsement[3]. With majority support, it's expected to pass into law[3]. The agreement involves facilitating US troop presence at three Danish airbases in Jutland, in addition to permitting the creation of US bases at these locations[4].
Potentially, the agreement may lead to private US companies stationing armed security personnel in Denmark near US bases[4]. It was first announced in December 2023, and while initially viewed as relatively low-key, recent tensions between the US and Denmark have led some opposition politicians to call it into question[4].
The government remains staunch supporters of the deal and tabled it as a legislative proposal in late March[4]. Apart from the Red Green Alliance and Alternative parties, it's expected to receive strong support from the parliament[4]. A poll by Voxmeter Institute showed a split in public opinion over the defense agreement, with 41% in favor and 33% against[4].
FYI
Denmark can break the defense pact with the US if the US quits Nato, according to statements from Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen[1][2][3]. The deal's continuation relies on both countries remaining in Nato[3]. While there are currently no indications of the US leaving Nato, the agreement may be terminated under exceptional circumstances, such as significant changes in fundamental conditions caused by actions of one of the parties[1][2].
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- The defense agreement between Denmark and the US, though currently expected to pass into law, includes a clause allowing Denmark to terminate the agreement if the US decides to leave NATO.
- According to Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the defense cooperation agreement with the US hinges on both countries maintaining their NATO membership.
- In Rasmussen's response to the Danish parliament, he mentioned that the agreement may be terminated under exceptional circumstances, such as significant changes in fundamental conditions due to actions of one of the parties.
- The potential defense agreement has stirred controversy in Denmark's political sphere, with opposition politicians raising concerns about the deal, particularly in light of recent tensions between the two countries.
- In a general news context, it was confirmed that Denmark can break the defense pact with the US if the US quits NATO, but, at present, there are no indications that the US is planning to leave the alliance.
