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A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, a bill designed to elevate the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy and strengthen partnerships with countries in the region, including Cyprus. The legislation emphasizes the area's growing strategic importance as a link between India, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
Introduced by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), with co-sponsors Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Chris Pappas (D-NH), the bill supports deeper U.S. involvement in regional cooperation initiatives. It aligns with the goals of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an infrastructure plan launched in 2023 as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Although Cyprus is not a formal IMEC member, the bill underscores its value as a strategic partner.
Lawmakers say the legislation would enhance energy security, expand economic connectivity, and improve defense collaboration. It calls for institutionalized dialogues with partners like Greece, Israel, and Egypt; support for cross-border infrastructure and energy projects; and exploration of broader regional coordination models, including Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center.
The bill follows earlier legislative efforts to deepen U.S.-Cyprus ties, including proposals to lift the long-standing arms embargo and increase funding for security training and equipment at the CYCLOPS facility. If enacted, the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act would formalize the region’s role in U.S. strategy and offer a counterweight to growing Chinese influence.
With information from Cyprus Business News.
