Schneider Leads Bipartisan Bill Seeking to Anchor Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. Foreign Policy

WASHINGTON – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), joined by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Dina Titus (NV-1) and Chris Pappas (NH-1), introduced the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act to bolster the region’s role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India,” said Rep. Schneider. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation, strengthening our partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt and supporting efforts like IMEC that deepen regional integration.”

“Supporting a U.S.-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is pivotal for enhancing energy security, fostering economic integration, and strengthening defense cooperation across these regions,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “This corridor aims to diversify energy routes, reducing reliance on traditional pathways and mitigating vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains. By connecting the United States, India, the Middle East, and Europe through railways, ports, and digital infrastructure, the IMEC will facilitate more efficient trade and investment, promoting economic growth and resilience. Additionally, the corridor serves as a strategic countermeasure to China's Belt and Road Initiative, offering an alternative model of transparent and sustainable development. Through this initiative, the U.S. can reinforce its partnerships, promote regional stability, and counterbalance the influence of strategic competitors.” 

“Supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is crucial to securing American interests abroad,” said Rep. Titus. “By investing in the Eastern Mediterranean and recognizing it as a critical part of IMEC, we will be strengthening our energy security and defense cooperation in the region.”

The bill reinforces U.S. support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional initiatives including the 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. It calls for:

• Elevating the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy;
• Institutionalizing strategic dialogues with IMEC and regional partners;
• Supporting cross-border infrastructure projects and energy interconnectors;
• Studying the expansion of U.S.–Israel innovation programs to the broader region;
• Evaluating multilateral models like Cyprus’s CYCLOPS center for regional coordination.

The legislation builds on bipartisan support for deeper regional integration, grounded in shared interests in energy security, economic connectivity, and long-term strategic coordination.

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