New US bases on Greek islands are being promoted through a bipartisan initiative by American lawmakers with the introduction of related legislation in the House of Representatives. According to a report by Apogeumatini, the initiative aims to deepen defense relations between Athens and Washington, strengthening American military presence in the region. The initiative comes against the backdrop of recent communication between Nikos Dendias and his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, and the moves being made by both sides to expand bilateral cooperation.
Read: Dendias: Phone communication with American counterpart – Invited him to Athens
Legislation for new US bases on the islands
The new initiative titled “Act to Document Security Cooperation between the US and Greece” was introduced by leading members of the Greek affairs caucus in Congress. The bill aims to explore possibilities for expanding US military presence in Greece, including the islands.
It stipulates that the US Secretary of Defense must submit a report to Congress identifying and presenting new opportunities for strengthening relations.
Reactions from Turkey
It is certain that the initiative for new US bases was not received with enthusiasm in Ankara. The Turkish side has never looked favorably upon the ever-increasing American presence in Greece, with nationalist circles estimating that at some point in the future, the Americans will turn against Turkey. Therefore, the presence of Americans on the islands will both strengthen Greek positions on the need to fortify them and serve as a deterrent factor to Turkish aggression.
Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement
The report will include a description of base rights provided under the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which allows US forces access to four additional military bases in Greece.
The bill was introduced by representatives:
• Grace Meng
• Gus Bilirakis
• Dina Titus
• Nicole Malliotakis
Strategic importance for the US
The lawmakers argue that this specific initiative comes at a critical time, as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have forced the Pentagon to increase military activity in the region.
“Activity at bases such as Alexandroupoli and Souda Bay has been a key pillar of US and NATO power projection throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East, playing a role in the supply chain and specifically in the continued resupply of Ukraine,” they note. It should be remembered that almost a year ago, Grace Meng had introduced a similar version of this legislation as an amendment to the 2024 defense budget bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives.
“Greece is one of our strongest allies and Congress must continue to strengthen cooperation between our two countries and honor our Greek communities by advancing this legislation,” emphasized Ms. Meng in her statements.
