US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Extend Military Cooperation with Greece

By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation aimed at extending military cooperation with Greece, in a move that reflects Washington’s continued focus on the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic theatre.

Representatives Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus and Nicole Malliotakis announced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, a bill that would extend International Military Education and Training (IMET) support for Greece for another five years.

The IMET programme focuses on joint training, officer exchanges and operational coordination between allied armed forces. Lawmakers described the initiative as a way to strengthen interoperability between US and Greek military structures and deepen an already close defence relationship.

“Greece is a steadfast democratic ally of the United States” and a “pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Pappas said, adding that continued training cooperation is a “critical component” of bilateral ties.

Supporters of the bill framed it as part of a broader effort to reinforce US partnerships in a region facing overlapping security pressures, including the war in Ukraine and tensions across the Middle East.

The legislation builds on an expanding defence relationship between Washington and Athens, which has gained momentum in recent years through updated defence agreements and increased US military access to Greek bases, including Souda Bay on Crete.

While the bill focuses on training assistance, its political timing is notable. It comes as the United States seeks to consolidate reliable security partners across the Eastern Mediterranean, where energy routes, military positioning and alliance cohesion are all under pressure.

The proposal still requires passage through Congress, and no timeline for a vote has been set.