H.R. 5793: Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025

This legislation, known as the Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025, aims to enhance the defense cooperation between the United States and certain U.S. allies that are part of NATO, specifically those located on what is referred to as the "Eastern Flank." This includes countries like Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

Key Objectives

The bill outlines several key objectives:

• To strengthen strategic defense partnerships with the Eastern Flank nations, recognizing their role in regional security and deterrence against threats from Russia and Belarus.
• To support Ukraine as it faces aggression, which is seen as a threat that could also affect NATO allies along the Eastern Flank.
• To prioritize the provision of defense assistance to these Eastern Flank partners, including military financing and equipment transfers.

Policy Statements

The legislation states that the U.S. will:

• Recognize the importance of Eastern Flank nations in defending NATO, deterring hostile actions, and promoting security across the Atlantic.
• Focus on cooperation with these nations for implementing defense support and ensuring they receive priority for security assistance and resources.
• Support Ukraine in its defense efforts against Russian aggression.

Defense Assistance Priorities

Under the bill, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense are instructed to prioritize Eastern Flank partners for various forms of military assistance:

• Foreign Military Financing, which provides funding for foreign military expenditures.
• Capacity building for foreign security forces under U.S. defense law.
• Transfer of surplus U.S. military equipment to these nations.
• Participation in training and exercises to enhance military cooperation and readiness.

Stockpiling and Pre-positioning

The Secretary of Defense is encouraged to:

• Prioritize military stockpiling in Eastern Flank countries to enhance deterrence and quick response capabilities.
• Consider expanding stockpile locations in these countries to improve defense readiness.

Reporting Requirements

Within 180 days after the bill becomes law, a briefing must be provided to Congress detailing the implementation of the defense cooperation provisions and any established timelines or goals.

Definitions

The legislation defines:

• Eastern Flank strategic defense partner: Any NATO member that borders or is geographically close to Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine, and meets specific defense spending and military commitments.
• Appropriate congressional committees: Specific committees within the U.S. Congress responsible for armed services and foreign affairs.

Relevant Companies

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