Bill in US Senate to support IMEC corridor
The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (Democrat) and Dave McCormick (Republican), aims to mobilize U.S. support for ports, digital corridors, and other strategic infrastructures designed to diversify and secure energy flows, strengthen regional supply chains, and deepen diplomatic ties with key partners.
“Global energy security and supply chains are under increasing pressure, and the Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a critical region for enhancing stability and cooperation on a range of common strategic interests, including support for the US-India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor,” Booker said in a statement here. he said.
“I am proud to introduce this important bipartisan legislation to strengthen energy security, accelerate innovation and economic growth, and deepen regional partnerships,” he said.
The bill will also strengthen and modernize existing regional frameworks by expanding cooperation in innovation, science and emerging technologies.
The legislation advances core U.S. interests by supporting the Eastern Mediterranean as a vital hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India: strengthening energy security, advancing economic integration, and promoting long-term regional stability.
“The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act strengthens these partnerships, makes the region a greater priority for the United States, and helps ensure the security of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor so that critical trade and energy routes are not left vulnerable to Iran, China or other adversaries,” McCormick said. The legislation aims to strengthen US support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) by recognizing the region’s role as a strategic gateway and strengthens existing regional initiatives, including: the 3+1 framework with Greece, Israel and Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.
The legislation also aims to highlight the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic priority in US foreign policy; Establish regular high-level strategic dialogues with IMEC partners and regional allies and advance cross-border energy and infrastructure projects.
It also aims to seize opportunities to expand successful U.S.-Israeli innovation and technology programs to additional regional partners and consider multilateral models for regional integration, such as Cyprus’ CYCLOPS hub.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was announced at the G20 Leaders Summit held in New Delhi in 2023.
