The House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved legislation that aims to establish the Eastern Mediterranean as a key strategic hub within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This major trade and infrastructure initiative is backed by the United States and its allies.
Titled the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, the bill reflects a broader congressional effort to integrate the region more deeply into Washington’s long-term strategy on energy security, regional stability, and global connectivity.
The bill now heads to the floor, but with the 2026 midterm elections approaching, congressional leadership is expected to reserve limited floor time for must-pass legislation, including government funding measures and defense authorization bills. Consequently, the proposal is expected to progress as an amendment rather than a standalone bill.
Sponsored by Representatives Brad Schneider of Illinois and Gus Bilirakis of Florida, the legislation seeks to formalize the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a core pillar of U.S. foreign policy tied to the IMEC initiative.
The bill emphasizes expanding U.S. cooperation with key regional partners, including India, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt. Energy security and defense coordination are identified as central priorities.
The bill designates several infrastructure projects as strategically significant, including the Great Sea Interconnector electricity cable, the proposed Greece–Egypt power link (GREGY), the Greece–Bulgaria natural gas pipeline, and the expansion of liquefied natural gas facilities throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.