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Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act

(December 20, 2019)

With bipartisan support, Congress approved the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act on December 19, 2019. It was later incorporated into the Appropriations Act and signed by the president on December 20. The act authorizes the establishment of an Energy Center to enhance cooperation between the United States, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.

The act is also designed to bolster security for natural gas fields off the coasts of these Mediterranean nations that are contested by Turkey. It requires the Secretary of State to submit a strategy for enhancing U.S. security and energy cooperation with the countries in the region and evaluating options for them to deliver gas to Europe.

It also expresses concern about the existence of Russian vessels in the region to support Syria. The legislation requires the U.S. secretary of state to produce a report within 90 days assessing Russia’s security, political, and energy goals in the Eastern Mediterranean.


Source: Todd Prince, “Congress Passes More Legislation Aimed At Curbing Russia's Energy Grip On Europe,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, (December 21, 2019).