Ali Al Shamsi

In recent years, U.S.–Greek relations have grown significantly closer, driven by converging interests and broader cooperation across defense, security, energy, trade, and strategic issues in the Eastern Mediterranean.This deepening partnership has taken on added significance amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, NATO's efforts to <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">strengthen its defense capabilities</a>, and European countries' push to diversify their energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian imports.This closer alignment raises important questions about the factors driving the expansion of U.S.–Greek ties and their potential implications for geopolitical dynamics, security arrangements, and energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean.Signs of a Growing PartnershipThe U.S.–Greek partnership is no longer limited to traditional military cooperation but has expanded to encompass broader economic and security interests. While Washington seeks to leverage <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greece's strategic location</a> to boost its regional presence, Athens is using the relationship to consolidate its position within Europe's security architecture. Several developments highlight this growing alignment:1. Shared Interest in Expanding Military and Defense Cooperation: The two countries' commitment to strengthening military and defense cooperation was evident during the <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sixth</a> round of the U.S.–Greece Strategic Dialogue, held in Athens on October 7, 2026, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in attendance. During the talks, the two sides <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced</a> $4 billion in U.S. military sales to support Greece's long-term military modernization plans.The cooperation agenda also included the provision of <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stryker</a> armored vehicles, expanded collaboration in defense industries and advanced military technologies, and the finalization of arrangements for Greece's participation in the U.S. <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Guard State Partnership Program</a> with Florida.For Athens, this cooperation forms part of its efforts to improve military readiness, while Washington views stronger Greek defense capabilities as a means of reinforcing security along NATO's southeastern flank.2. Expanding the U.S. Military Presence in Greece: Greece has become increasingly important to U.S. military planning because of its location connecting the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Black Sea. As a result, Greek military facilities have become important components of U.S. force deployment and logistical support arrangements.One of the most significant assets in this network is <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Souda Bay</a> on the Greek island of Crete, a strategically important naval and air facility for the United States and NATO in the Eastern Mediterranean. The facility provides support for both maritime and air operations.Another key facility is the <a href="https://www.frstrategie.org/en/publications/notes/port-alexandroupolis-strategic-and-geopolitical-assessment-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Port of Alexandroupolis</a>, which has become an important transit hub for the movement of troops and military equipment to Eastern Europe. It &nbsp;also provides an alternative logistical corridor, enabling energy and supplies to reach the Balkans and Eastern Europe while bypassing the Turkish Straits.3. Broadening U.S.–Greek Strategic Cooperation: The October 2026 <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meetings</a> highlighted the shared interest that both countries have in strengthening <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/joint-statement-on-the-u-s-greece-strategic-dialogue-athens-07-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economic security</a> and expanding cooperation in super intelligence, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.The two sides also expressed interest in closer cooperation on investment screening and measures to safeguard procurement processes involving critical infrastructure.These developments reflect a shared desire to build a relationship that extends beyond direct military cooperation, providing a broader foundation for sustaining the partnership through any political changes that take place in either country down the line.4. Growing Bilateral Energy Cooperation: Energy has become one of the main drivers of closer U.S.–Greek relations, particularly as Washington seeks to <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">expand liquefied natural gas</a> (LNG) exports to European markets and Greece seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for importing and redistributing natural gas.A key initiative in this effort is the <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vertical Gas Corridor</a>, which connects Greece with countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. The corridor is design to use LNG import facilities located in Greece to supply natural gas markets further north.The project <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gained</a> additional momentum following a meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy in February 2026 to address regulatory and technical challenges associated with its operation.5. Strengthening U.S.–Greek Coordination on Eastern Mediterranean Security: Closer U.S.–Greek relations are also evident in their growing coordination on Eastern Mediterranean security, energy projects, and regional connectivity.An important framework for this cooperation is the <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/joint-statement-on-the-31-republic-of-cyprus-greece-israel-united-states-foreign-ministerial/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">"3+1" format</a>, which brings together the United States, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to coordinate on shared security and economic interests.Athens sees this framework as an opportunity to expand its regional influence, particularly amid ongoing <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/announcement-by-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-decision-of-the-libyan-house-of-representatives-concerning-the-turkish-libyan-memorandum-20-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">maritime disputes</a> with Türkiye over maritime jurisdiction and energy exploration rights.Washington, meanwhile, views these partnerships as a way to strengthen coordination among its allies and partners in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, the U.S. must remain careful not to undermine its strategic relationship with Ankara, which remains an important NATO ally.Strategic ImplicationsContinued U.S.–Greek rapprochement is expected to have strategic implications extending beyond the two countries' bilateral relationship. The most significant potential implications include the following:1. Reshaping the Balance of Power in the Eastern Mediterranean: Growing U.S.–Greek defense cooperation could enhance Athens' military capabilities and expand Washington's strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, potentially influencing the regional balance of power and the strategic calculations of key regional actors.This cooperation also provides Greece with additional support to shore up its regional position, particularly amid its ongoing maritime disputes with Türkiye. The sensitivity of these regional dynamics became evident again on <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/announcement-by-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-decision-of-the-libyan-house-of-representatives-concerning-the-turkish-libyan-memorandum-20-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">October 20, 2026</a>, when the Libyan House of Representatives' approved the maritime agreement signed between Türkiye and Libya in 2019.Athens rejected the decision, arguing that the agreement violates international maritime law and infringes on the rights of other countries in the region. Ankara, meanwhile, maintains that the agreement is <a href="https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1318975/turkey-rejects-third-party-objections-to-libya-maritime-deal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">legitimate</a> and important to protecting its maritime interests.2. Strengthening NATO's Security Arrangements: The U.S.–Greek partnership offers opportunities to enhance NATO's defense capabilities in southeastern Europe through military modernization, expanded joint exercises, and improved coordination among allied forces.This cooperation is particularly important amid the ongoing <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russia–Ukraine war</a>, which has posed challenges to European security and created a need to secure supply routes and facilitate the movement of military forces and equipment toward the Black Sea.Strengthening Greece’s military capabilities also aligns with broader U.S. efforts to encourage European allies to assume a greater share of the collective defense burden.However, the success of these efforts will depend on NATO's ability to balance the interests of its members and prevent regional disputes among them from undermining the alliance’s collective <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">defense</a> arrangements.3. Supporting Military Deployment and Defense Readiness: Greece's geographic location provides the United States with greater flexibility to support military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and southeastern Europe, particularly through facilities at <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Souda Bay</a> and Alexandroupolis.These facilities facilitate the <a href="https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-greece/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">movement</a> of U.S. troops and equipment and the delivery of supplies needed for military exercises and operations, helping reduce response times during crises.Moreover, diversifying logistical support locations reduces dependence on specific routes and gives Washington greater flexibility to respond to disruptions that could affect troop movements across the region.Nevertheless, these advantages do not necessarily imply a permanent increase in the number of U.S. troops stationed in Greece, as actual deployment levels depend on the nature of missions and operational requirements.4. Reshaping the Regional Energy Security Landscape: U.S.–Greek energy cooperation could strengthen Greece's role in European energy supply networks, particularly through the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and interconnection projects linking Greece with the Balkans and Eastern Europe.Expanding the use of the <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vertical Gas Corridor</a> could give countries along the route additional options to reduce their dependence on <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russian gas</a>, providing them with greater flexibility to withstand potential supply disruptions.At the same time, the project would allow the United States to expand its commercial presence in European energy markets, while Athens could benefit from investment in energy infrastructure.Achieving these objectives, however, will <a href="https://stage.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-brings-together-vertical-gas-corridor-countries-strengthen-energy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">require</a> overcoming regulatory obstacles, developing transportation and storage networks, and ensuring that imported gas remains cost-competitive.5. Intensifying Competition Over Regional Connectivity Projects: Energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean are closely intertwined with existing geopolitical disputes. This is illustrated in particular by the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/eu-backed-east-mediterranean-undersea-cable-project-applies-resume-seabed-2026-10-15/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Sea Interconnector</a>, which is designed to connect the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus, with a connection that could possibly be extended to Israel as well.The project returned to the spotlight on <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/eu-backed-east-mediterranean-undersea-cable-project-applies-resume-seabed-2026-10-15/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">October 15, 2026</a>, after its developer applied for authorization to resume seabed surveys that had previously been disrupted by disputes with Türkiye.Although the U.S. has backed this initiative because of its potential to diversify energy supplies and promote greater integration among regional markets, its implementation remains vulnerable to political tensions and maritime disputes. Its success will therefore depend on the ability of the parties involved to manage their unresolved differences.A Test of ContinuityU.S.–Greek relations faced a notable new development on <a href="https://theprint.in/world/white-house-says-us-ambassador-to-greece-guilfoyle-asked-to-resign/3070756/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">October 13, 2026</a>, when the <a href="https://theprint.in/world/white-house-says-us-ambassador-to-greece-guilfoyle-asked-to-resign/3070756/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">White House</a> asked U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign following media reports alleging that she had used her influence to secure financial benefits and facilitate access to U.S. officials. Guilfoyle subsequently submitted her resignation.<a href="https://theprint.in/world/white-house-says-us-ambassador-to-greece-guilfoyle-asked-to-resign/3070756/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Her departure</a> has raised questions about the extent to which bilateral relations between Greece and the U.S. depend on personal connections with decision-making circles in Washington. It therefore represents a test of both countries' ability to maintain their existing level of coordination and cooperation independently of personal relationships.In conclusion, the recent evolution of U.S.–Greece ties represents more than just a continuation of the traditional relationship between these two NATO allies. It is part of broader arrangements involving Eastern Mediterranean security, the future of European energy supplies, and U.S. military operations in the region. While Washington seeks greater operational flexibility and a stronger economic presence in the region, Athens aims to leverage the partnership to bolster its defense capabilities and expand its regional influence.Nevertheless, several challenges could hinder the further development of this partnership. These include Greece’s ongoing maritime disputes with <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/announcement-by-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-decision-of-the-libyan-house-of-representatives-concerning-the-turkish-libyan-memorandum-20-10-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Türkiye</a>, delays affecting certain <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/eu-backed-east-mediterranean-undersea-cable-project-applies-resume-seabed-2026-10-15/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">regional connectivity projects</a>, and the potential impact of changes in diplomatic personnel on political coordination. Although shared interests continue to undergird U.S. –Greece relations, the extent to which the partnership can meaningfully reshape regional power dynamics will ultimately depend on how successfully both countries translate their commitments into sustained cooperation.

Key Shifts in U.S.–Greek Strategic Relations