Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), along with Congressman Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), introduced the American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill establishes a security-focused ‘3+1’ framework among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus to enhance counterterrorism and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
To enhance security in the Eastern Mediterranean, the bill establishes two cooperative bodies: a parliamentary group and an executive-level group that includes the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. Additionally, the bill introduces two security training programs: CERBERUS, which focuses on counterterrorism training at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security, and TRIREME, which provides maritime security training at the Greek Souda Naval Base.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, ” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism and maritime security between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus is vital, and we must continue to strengthen this partnership.”
“The strategic partnership among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus is a cornerstone of regional stability and international security in the Eastern Mediterranean. This bipartisan effort enhances our collective ability to combat terrorism and further advances America’s long-term interests in defense, strategic cooperation, and the safeguarding of shared democratic values,” said Congressman Tom Kean.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important piece of bipartisan legislation that seeks to strengthen cooperation with our democratic allies in the Eastern Mediterranean and promote regional security. In an increasingly complex global landscape, this bill reinforces our counterterrorism efforts and ensures that the United States and its allies are better equipped to detect emerging threats and respond swiftly in defense of our shared democratic values,” said Congressman Dan Goldman.
“The American Hellenic Institute has been a longtime advocate of the importance of the “3+1” partnership between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. “3+1” is a powerful regional cooperation structure that should be utilized to the fullest extent to protect America’s interests, secure its international commerce, and to provide peace, stability, and safety in an area of great geopolitical importance. By initiating this new bill, AHI and congressional leaders on this issue aim to see the “3+1” partnership grow to the next level, especially in terms of security cooperation. AHI will continue its work in Washington, D.C. to push forward the passage of this critical next step,” said the American Hellenic Institute (AHI).
This bill removes restrictions on defense articles and security assistance to the Republic of Cyprus and mandates the development of comprehensive strategies for counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation. It allocates funds for facilities and equipment at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas, and Port Security, the Greek Souda Naval Base, and all training programs. Additionally, this bill increases IMET funding for all three partner nations.