New agreement places bases in cities such as Karup and Skrydstrup under US jurisdiction

Denmark has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new defence agreement giving the US sweeping powers on Danish soil, including “unhindered access” to its airbases.

The deal, which has been strongly criticised by politicians and human rights experts, means US soldiers in Denmark will remain under US jurisdiction. It gives US soldiers access to Danish airbases in three Danish cities – Karup, Skrydstrup and Aalborg – and grants American soldiers and military police powers over Danish civilians at these locations and outside them.

If US soldiers were to commit a crime in Denmark, they would be punished under the US, not Danish, legal system in the first instance. The US will also be able to carry out military activities in and from Denmark – including stationing personnel, storing military material and equipment, maintenance, training and exercise activities.

Despite heightened tensions between the US and Denmark amid Donald Trump’s unprecedented push to acquire Greenland – a strategically vital part of the Danish kingdom – and reports US intelligence agencies were ordered to increase espionage in the territory, a broad majority of the Danish parliament (Folketinget) voted in support of adopting the agreement. A total of 94 MPs voted for the bill and 11 against.

  • Buffalox@lemmy.world
    5·
    3 days ago

    That’s the weird thing, because she most definitely is not.
    She brought us through the Covid crisis better than mostly any other country, both economically and regarding public health. Despite Denmark was one of the countries that was hit hardest early on.
    When Ukraine was invaded she was also very quick to help Ukraine, and Denmark has been leading many efforts regarding Ukraine. For instance we were first to suggest F16 and to deliver them together with Netherlands, and we send ALL our completely new artillery to Ukraine pretty early on too.

    AFAIK most Danes are against this agreement with USA including myself, but when she does it anyways, I think it may be because she knows something we don’t. Norway and Sweden also have similar agreements.