**US Lawmakers Urge Prioritization of Great Sea Interconnector Project**
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has formally requested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ben Black, chief executive of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), prioritize the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). This initiative aims to enhance energy security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, which the lawmakers argue is crucial for advancing US interests in the region.
The effort was spearheaded by Congressmen Brad Schneider from Illinois and Gus Bilirakis from Florida, who jointly penned a letter to Rubio and Black advocating for increased US support for the GSI. The project is designed to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, thereby facilitating a more integrated energy network among these nations.
In their correspondence, the lawmakers emphasized the significance of the GSI in relation to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which they believe is vital for the stability and prosperity of the Eastern Mediterranean. They noted that the region is positioned to serve as a crucial gateway for the IMEC, making the GSI a key infrastructure project that supports the development of this corridor.
“The Eastern Mediterranean will play a vitally important role as a gateway to IMEC, and the Great Sea Interconnector is a key strategic infrastructure project central to the development of the corridor,” the lawmakers stated in their letter. They pointed out that enhancing the region's energy infrastructure would not only benefit the US and its partners but also diversify energy routes and promote deeper regional integration.
The GSI is expected to alleviate Cyprus' current isolation from the European electricity transmission system, bolster Israel's security regarding electricity supply, and establish a reliable and clean electricity flow between Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The project aligns with the objectives of the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, introduced by Schneider and Bilirakis in May 2025, which seeks to strengthen US support for cross-border energy infrastructure and strategic partnerships with regional allies, including Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt.
In their letter, the lawmakers reiterated the longstanding US interest in fostering stability, security, and cooperation within the Eastern Mediterranean. They urged the State Department and the DFC to prioritize the GSI project and requested a classified briefing to discuss the geopolitical challenges that could hinder its completion.
Recent developments have provided a boost to the GSI project. French infrastructure investor Meridiam has recently acquired a 66 percent majority stake in the interconnector, a move that has reignited optimism about transitioning the project from concept to implementation. Cyprus' Energy Minister Michael Damianos expressed his approval of Meridiam's involvement, stating that it brings “tremendous new momentum” to the project and reflects the shared commitment of Cyprus and Greece to establish the electricity link.
The GSI is not merely an infrastructure initiative; it represents a significant investment in the future of Cyprus' electricity market. By enhancing connectivity and cooperation among key partners in the Eastern Mediterranean, the project aims to create a more resilient and integrated energy landscape, ultimately benefiting the region and its allies.
As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on the strategic importance of the GSI and its potential to transform energy dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, reinforcing the US's role in fostering regional stability and cooperation.