A bipartisan bill titled the “American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025” has been introduced in the US House of Representatives.

The bill seeks to expand the “3+1” cooperation framework between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. Building on the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Cooperation Act of 2019 and the U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Cooperation Act of 2021, the bill focuses on strengthening counterterrorism and maritime security in the region while countering malign influences.

If passed, the legislation would establish Greece and Cyprus as key operational hubs for regional training by creating the CERBERUS and TRIREME centres. These programmes, based at the Cyprus Centre for Land, Maritime and Port Security (CYCLOPS) and the Souda Naval Base in Crete, will provide specialised training in counterterrorism and maritime cooperation. 

CYCLOPS is set to host a new 3+1 counterterrorism facility, funded by the US Department of Defense with an annual allocation of $1.5 million from 2026 to 2029. Similarly, Souda will house a maritime security division with matching funding. Additionally, each facility will receive $5 million to enhance training capabilities and $2 million annually through 2029 for general operational support.

A significant provision of the bill is the complete lifting of the US arms embargo on Cyprus. It proposes removing the remaining legal restrictions by amending the 2020 US Defence Budget and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, thereby eliminating  limitations on the sale of defence equipment and military aid to Cyprus.

Also read: Cyprus Police | Training at CYCLOPS center to counter terrorist acts at airports

The bill also aims to strengthen the 3+1 Interparliamentary Group by making it a permanent element of US foreign policy and expanding its membership to include six Senators and six House Representatives from the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces, and Homeland Security. These members will convene with their Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli counterparts at least twice per year. 

Moreover, a new intergovernmental working group, comprising US officials from the Departments of Defence, State, and Homeland Security, will meet biannually with regional partners to facilitate information sharing, joint security initiatives, and coordination on threats such as terrorism and illegal maritime activities.

Further support is proposed through increased funding for the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, with an additional $1 million allocated to Israel and $250,000 each to Greece and Cyprus. The funds will focus on enhancing interoperability, counterterrorism capabilities, and maritime security training.

Introduced by Representative Nicole Malliotakis and co-sponsored by Representatives Thomas Keene Jr., Dan Goldman, and Josh Gottheimer, the bill reflects the consistent advocacy of the American-Hellenic Institute (AHI). The ‘3+1’ partnership is, according to AHI, essential for protecting American interests, safeguarding international trade routes, and promoting peace in a geopolitically crucial region.

The legislation must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate before it can be signed into law.

Also read: Alexandros Drivas | US participation in the Greece-Cyprus-Israel tripartite scheme (3 + 1)