The deal aims to deepen Massachusetts’ ties with Denmark in science, technology, and trade.
Gov. Maura Healey at a recent press conference. David L. Ryan / The Boston Globe, File
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a “collaboration agreement” with Denmark on Tuesday, formalizing a partnership focused on research, innovation, and business cooperation between the Bay State and the Nordic nation.
The agreement was signed during a half-hour conference at the Massachusetts State House, where Healey welcomed a Danish delegation led by Ambassador to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen.
While the event was intended to spotlight innovation and cooperation, it unfolded against the backdrop of renewed tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over President Donald Trump’s recent calls for American ownership of Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Trump first floated the idea of the U.S. buying Greenland in 2019, but he revived the proposal in early January, saying the U.S. “needs” Greenland for Arctic security.
Many in Europe have opposed U.S. control of the Danish territory, leading to Trump imposing a 10% import tax on goods from eight nations. European governments blasted Trump’s announcement, and protests in Denmark followed.
Neither Healey nor Sørensen directly addressed Trump’s comments during the conference.
Instead, Healey emphasized the economic importance of Denmark to Massachusetts, calling the country a key trading partner that accounts for roughly $250 million in annual trade with the state.
“It’s a partnership — Massachusetts and Denmark — driven by innovation, and it’s rooted in our history,” Healey said.
She highlighted Massachusetts’ role as a global leader in life sciences, clean energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
“You could say that Massachusetts is to the United States what Denmark is to Europe: a knowledge-driven leader that values our people and does things the right way,” Healey said. “So, it’s no surprise that Denmark is one of our most cherished partners.”
Healey said Massachusetts and Denmark’s relationship has grown in recent years, pointing to a January 2024 meeting between state officials and the Danish delegation that laid the groundwork for collaboration on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
“Today, we celebrate and energize this relationship and take it a step further,” she said. “We commit to a productive exchange of aid, culture, technology, and trade. I’m proud to say that Massachusetts’ relationship with Denmark has strengthened our leadership across many fields and created jobs in our state.”
Sørensen framed the partnership as part of a broader, long-standing relationship between the two nations — not just Massachusetts.
“This year we celebrate 225 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relationship,” he said.
Sørensen added that they are also proud of what the two nations have achieved together, particularly in security and economic prosperity.
He noted Denmark’s role as a major investor in the U.S., calling it the 16th-largest foreign investor nationwide.
“We are significantly a strong investor, creating prosperity in all U.S. 50 states, even compared to countries that are much larger than Denmark,” Sørensen said.
Looking ahead, he said the partnership with Massachusetts is key to expanding those ties.
“We want to expand that even further, and that’s why we find opportunities like we have with Boston, with Massachusetts so important for us,” Sørensen said.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.