H.R. 3307: Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act

The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act aims to enhance cooperation among countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in the context of energy security and defense. The bill recognizes the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), initiated at the G20 Summit in 2023, which connects Asia, the Middle East, and Europe and offers an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Key Objectives

• The bill emphasizes Eastern Mediterranean countries as crucial partners in establishing a stable and secure environment while strengthening economic ties.
• It seeks to support key energy projects that bolster European energy security, thereby integrating the region into wider global supply chains.

Congressional Findings

The Congress identifies several factors supporting the need for the bill:

• The Eastern Mediterranean is important for U.S. strategic interests, particularly through partnerships with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.
• Various energy projects, including multiple interconnections, enhance the region's ability to connect with the Gulf and Europe.
• Countries like Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, and Israel play vital roles in promoting regional stability and development.
• Promoting defense cooperation and educational exchanges can strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships.

U.S. Foreign Policy Focus

• The Secretary of State is tasked with prioritizing the Eastern Mediterranean in U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning energy security and defense collaboration.
• Multilateral dialogues will be established to bolster strategic discussions with IMEC countries.

Reports and Analyses

The bill mandates various reports to ensure transparency and ongoing evaluation:

• Annual reports from the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State on the implementation and impacts of the Act.
• A study analyzing the cooperation model used in the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS).
• A report detailing the feasibility and cost of creating new bilateral programs with Eastern Mediterranean nations.

Definitions and Scope

The bill defines key terms including:

• “Eastern Mediterranean country” includes Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
• “IMEC country” includes members of the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, along with any designated countries by the Secretary of State.

Sense of Congress

The bill highlights the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts and initiatives such as the 3+1 format involving the U.S., Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, and supports continued involvement in energy forums relevant to the region.

Relevant Companies

• ENPH - Enphase Energy may benefit from increased energy projects and initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• NBL - Noble Energy, involved in natural gas exploration in the region, may see impacts from the bill's focus on energy cooperation.
• SLB - Schlumberger, a global oilfield services company, might be involved in new energy projects resulting from increased cooperation.