American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 31, 2025
Bottom line
The bill significantly deepens U.S. security partnerships with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus through enhanced cooperation, training, and financial support, while removing restrictions on aid to Cyprus.
What it actually does
This bill formalizes and expands security cooperation within the existing "3+1" structure involving the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. It establishes new interparliamentary and interexecutive security cooperation groups, creates dedicated counterterrorism (CERBERUS) and maritime security (TRIREME) training programs, and authorizes specific appropriations for facilities, equipment, and International Military Education and Training (IMET). Crucially, it also eliminates certain statutory limitations on defense articles and security assistance to the Republic of Cyprus.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill is essential for strengthening critical alliances in the strategically vital Eastern Mediterranean region, enhancing collective counterterrorism capabilities, and improving maritime security. They emphasize the importance of these partnerships for protecting U.S. interests and promoting regional stability, especially in light of ongoing threats and the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
Opponents contend
No direct opposition is explicitly stated within the bill text. However, potential critics might raise concerns about the financial cost of increased military spending, the potential for increased U.S. entanglement in regional disputes, or the implications of removing defense article limitations for Cyprus on existing diplomatic sensitivities, particularly with Turkey.
The bill is relatively concise and its provisions are clearly outlined, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate its contents within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 4
Statement of Policy for Enhanced 3+1 Security Cooperation
This section outlines the United States' policy to establish a security subcomponent within the "3+1" structure, expand strategic engagement, increase support for joint counterterrorism and maritime security exercises, and boost participation in multilateral dialogues. It also aims to enhance support for partner nations' participation in the Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP) and International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs, while encouraging security investments and intelligence sharing.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this policy statement provides a clear framework for strengthening alliances and addressing shared security challenges in a critical region, fostering greater interoperability and collective defense.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that such broad policy statements, while aspirational, lack specific actionable mandates and could lead to diffuse efforts without clear accountability or measurable outcomes.
Tradeoffs
The policy balances the desire for deeper security integration with the need to manage diplomatic sensitivities and resource allocation among multiple partners.
Section 6
Establishment of Interparliamentary Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group
This section establishes a new "Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and the United States Interparliamentary Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group." This group will serve as a security-focused legislative subcomponent to the existing 3+1 interparliamentary group. It will consist of up to 6 Members from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, appointed by leadership, and will meet at least twice annually with Israeli, Cypriot, and Greek parliamentary counterparts to discuss counterterrorism and maritime security issues.
Section 7
Establishment of Interexecutive Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group
This section establishes the "Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and United States Interexecutive Eastern Mediterranean Security Cooperation Group," designed as a security-focused executive component of the "3+1" structure. It mandates the appointment of designated officers from the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security to this group. These officers will meet at least twice a year with their Israeli, Cypriot, and Greek executive counterparts to discuss counterterrorism and maritime security issues.
Section 8
Counterterrorism Education for Readiness Building in the East-Mediterranean Region to Unify Security Program (CERBERUS)
This section mandates the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to establish a counterterrorism training program named "CERBERUS." This program is intended to be conducted at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (C.Y.C.L.O.P.S.), with the agreement of the Republic of Cyprus, to increase counterterrorism cooperation and interoperability among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. The training will be available to ministry, agency, and headquarters-level organizations and must promote respect for legitimate civilian authority.
Section 9
Training and Readiness Initiative for Regional East-Mediterranean Maritime-Security Enforcement (TRIREME)
This section directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to create a maritime security training program, designated as "TRIREME." This program will be conducted at the Greek Souda Naval Base, with the agreement of the Government of Greece, to enhance maritime security cooperation and interoperability among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. Like CERBERUS, it targets ministry, agency, and headquarters-level organizations and includes elements promoting respect for legitimate civilian authority.
Section 11
Elimination of Limitations on Defense Articles and Security Assistance for Republic of Cyprus
This section amends existing law (Section 1250A of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and Section 620C of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) by striking subsections that imposed limitations and exclusions regarding defense articles and requirements for security assistance and sales with respect to the Republic of Cyprus. This effectively removes the arms embargo and other restrictions on U.S. defense cooperation with Cyprus.
Section 12
Authorizations of Appropriations for Security Cooperation
This section authorizes specific appropriations for various components of the enhanced security cooperation. It includes $5 million for new facilities and equipment at C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. in Cyprus, plus $2 million annually for its general support (FY2026-2029). It also authorizes $1.5 million annually for the CERBERUS program and $1.5 million annually for the TRIREME program (FY2026-2029). Additionally, it authorizes annual IMET assistance for Israel ($1 million), Greece ($250,000), and the Republic of Cyprus ($250,000) for FY2026-2029. Finally, it authorizes $5 million for new facilities and equipment at the Greek Souda Naval Base, plus $2 million annually for its general support (FY2026-2029).
This section repeals specific subsections of existing laws (Section 1250A of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and Section 620C of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) that previously imposed limitations on defense articles and security assistance to the Republic of Cyprus.
Section 11(a) and (b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending existing law, rather than an attempt to conceal. However, the full policy shift requires knowledge of the prior restrictions.
Case for: Proponents argue that the removal of these limitations is a necessary step to modernize U.S. foreign policy, treat Cyprus as a full security partner, and enhance its ability to contribute to regional stability, aligning with the U.S.'s broader strategic goals in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Case against: Critics might argue that this change could be perceived as a shift in U.S. neutrality regarding the Cyprus dispute, potentially escalating tensions with Turkey and complicating diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive settlement.
Estimated impact: This change removes a long-standing arms embargo, potentially opening up millions of dollars in defense sales and security assistance to Cyprus, significantly altering its defense posture and regional dynamics.