Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act

This bill aims to increase cooperation with Eastern Mediterranean countries to strengthen energy security and defense capabilities, supporting their role as a strategic gateway in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Sec. 3, Findings: Congress finds that the IMEC enhances connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe as a strategic alternative to Chinese infrastructure investments; the Eastern Mediterranean region is strategically important; energy projects like the Great Sea Interconnector and LNG terminals are key for European energy security; Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, and Israel are key partners; enhanced defense, security, educational, and cultural exchanges strengthen ties; a Presidential Determination supports furnishing defense articles to Cyprus; the Abraham Accords policy should guide integration between India, the Middle East, and southeast Europe; India has strengthened ties with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus; and IMEC success depends on partnerships rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sec. 4, Sense of Congress: Congress states that the United States should recognize and maintain leadership in diplomatic initiatives like the 3+1 format, East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and Abraham Accords; continue participating in the Gas Forum; support energy, transportation, defense, and integration in the region; recognize Eastern Mediterranean countries as a central connector in IMEC; resume the 3+1 initiative with a Secretary of State meeting; and promote connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe, including trilateral dialogue on energy, maritime security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure.

Sec. 5, Diplomacy in Eastern Mediterranean Region: The Secretary of State may institutionalize multilateral strategic dialogues between the United States and IMEC countries, including dedicated formats with Eastern Mediterranean countries. The Secretary shall prioritize the Eastern Mediterranean region in U.S. foreign policy, focusing on energy security and defense cooperation.

Sec. 6, Reports and Studies: The Secretary of State must submit annual reports for 5 years, then every 2 years for 10 years, on implementation and effect, including an assessment of how IMEC counters Chinese influence. Within one year, the Secretary must brief Congress on multilateral initiatives with IMEC countries, analyze the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security as a model for cooperation, and report on the cost and feasibility of creating bilateral programs with Eastern Mediterranean countries modeled on U.S.-Israel programs (such as agriculture, industrial research, science foundations) and expanding those programs to include other Eastern Mediterranean and IMEC countries.

Sec. 7, Definitions: "Appropriate congressional committees" are the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee. "Eastern Mediterranean country" means Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. "IMEC country" means the European Union, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, India, United Arab Emirates, the United States, and any other country designated by the Secretary of State.