Three-Way Talks on Expanding US Military Bases in Greenland

May 12, 2026, 11:27
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland are currently holding diplomatic talks about building more American military bases in Greenland.

Main Body

These discussions are based on a long history of US interest in the region, including failed attempts to buy the land in 1846 and 1946. Although the US already operates the Pituffik Space Base, the current government wants permission to build three more bases in the south. Reports suggest that these new areas would be treated as US territory. The US asserts that this is necessary to stop Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, especially as melting ice makes new sea routes available for ships. The legal side of this deal is based on a 1951 defense agreement, updated in 2004, which allows the US to increase its troop numbers if they notify Danish and Greenlandic officials first. A working group, including representatives from the US, Denmark, and Greenland, has met five times since January, but they have not yet reached a formal agreement. Furthermore, the situation is complicated because Denmark does not have a majority government after the March 24 elections. Additionally, Greenland has a high level of autonomy, meaning Denmark cannot sell the land and Greenlandic citizens have the right to vote for full independence.

Conclusion

Talks are still ongoing between the three parties, but no final agreement has been made regarding the military expansion.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Link' Upgrade

At an A2 level, you likely use simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Connectors that show a professional relationship between ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

1. Adding Information (Beyond 'And')

Instead of saying "And also," the text uses:

  • Furthermore: *"Furthermore, the situation is complicated..."
  • Additionally: *"Additionally, Greenland has a high level of autonomy..."

The B2 Trick: Use these at the start of a sentence to signal to the listener that you are adding a new, important point to your argument.

2. The 'Contrast' Shift (Beyond 'But')

Look at how the text handles opposing ideas:

  • Although: *"Although the US already operates the Pituffik Space Base..."

The B2 Trick: Although creates a complex sentence. It tells the reader: "I know Fact A is true, but Fact B is more important."

3. Precision Phrasing

Notice the phrase "based on."

  • A2 style: "The talks are because of a long history."
  • B2 style: "These discussions are based on a long history..."

Using "based on" connects a current action to a supporting reason or document, making your English sound academic and grounded.

Quick Comparison Table

A2 WordB2 AlternativeExample from Text
ButAlthoughAlthough the US already operates...
AndFurthermoreFurthermore, the situation is...
AlsoAdditionallyAdditionally, Greenland has...
Because ofBased on...based on a 1951 defense agreement

Vocabulary Learning

diplomatic (adj.)
relating to diplomats or negotiations between countries
Example:The diplomatic talks between the three countries lasted for several days.
territory (n.)
an area of land controlled by a country or government
Example:The new bases would be treated as US territory.
influence (n.)
the power to affect the actions or opinions of others
Example:The US wants to stop Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
melting (adj.)
changing from solid to liquid due to heat
Example:Melting ice creates new sea routes for ships.
routes (n.)
paths or courses taken from one place to another
Example:The sea routes are now open because of the melting ice.
agreement (n.)
a negotiated arrangement that is accepted by all parties
Example:They have not yet reached a formal agreement.
majority (n.)
more than half of a group or total
Example:Denmark does not have a majority government after the elections.
autonomy (n.)
the right to govern oneself independently
Example:Greenland has a high level of autonomy.
independence (n.)
the state of being self-governing and not subject to another authority
Example:Greenlandic citizens have the right to vote for full independence.
expansion (n.)
the act of increasing in size or scope
Example:The talks concern the expansion of US military bases.
military (adj.)
relating to armed forces or war
Example:The US wants to build more military bases in Greenland.
bases (n.)
locations where military forces are stationed
Example:The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base.
land (n.)
the surface of the earth; territory
Example:The US tried to buy the land in 1846 and 1946.
officials (n.)
people who hold a position of authority in a government
Example:The US must notify Danish and Greenlandic officials first.
notify (v.)
to inform someone formally about something
Example:The US will notify officials before increasing troop numbers.
working (adj.)
involved in a particular activity or task
Example:A working group met five times since January.
representatives (n.)
people who act on behalf of others
Example:The group includes representatives from the US, Denmark, and Greenland.
formal (adj.)
following established rules or procedures
Example:They have not yet reached a formal agreement.
complicated (adj.)
not simple; difficult to understand or deal with
Example:The situation is complicated because Denmark lacks a majority government.
elections (n.)
a formal process of choosing representatives
Example:Denmark's elections were held on March 24.
rights (n.)
legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement
Example:Greenlandic citizens have the right to vote for independence.
ship (n.)
a large vessel that travels on water
Example:New sea routes allow ships to travel more easily.
sea (n.)
a large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth
Example:The melting ice opens new sea routes.
assert (v.)
to state a fact or belief confidently
Example:The US asserts that the bases are necessary.
increase (v.)
to become larger or greater in amount
Example:The agreement allows the US to increase troop numbers.
ongoing (adj.)
continuing without interruption
Example:Talks are still ongoing between the three parties.