Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) The United States and the Hellenic Republic share a longstanding and robust security relationship, rooted in shared democratic values, mutual strategic interests, and joint membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (2) The United States-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), updated on October 14, 2021, reflects the deepening defense partnership between the two countries and enhances the United States ability to operate across the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. (3) The Hellenic Republic occupies a strategically vital geographic position that supports regional security, energy diversification, and efforts to counter malign influence. (4) United States military investments and activities at key locations in Greece, such as Alexandroupolis, Larisa, Stefanovikio, and Souda Bay, have contributed to improved United States and NATO interoperability, operational flexibility, and deterrence posture. (5) The Port of Alexandroupolis has emerged as a critical logistical hub for the United States and NATO, enabling the rapid deployment of forces and equipment to Eastern and Southeastern Europe and beyond. (6) Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay is one of the most strategically important United States naval facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean and helps support forward-deployed operations, maritime security, and the defense of multiple theaters, including Eastern and Southeastern Europe. (7) Subtitle B of title XIII of division A of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81), known as the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021, mandated a framework to further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, expand joint training opportunities, and promote interparliamentary engagement. (8) Ongoing instability and increased geopolitical competition highlight the need for continued assessment and adaptation of the United States military posture and security cooperation with Greece.