A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is calling on the Trump administration to support the Great Sea Interconnector, highlighting the strategic importance of the Israel-Cyprus-Greece electricity link for energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The initiative is led by Democratic Congressman Brad Schneider and Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who, together with other members of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Benjamin Black, head of the US International Development Finance Corporation.
In their letter, the lawmakers urged the US government to prioritise the project, describing it as an important part of the broader US strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
They said the region is emerging as a key hub for energy and connectivity infrastructure linking Europe, the Middle East and India.
Energy security and regional connectivity
The lawmakers said the US has a clear interest in ensuring that this transformation strengthens its partners, diversifies energy routes, deepens regional integration and promotes a transparent alternative to infrastructure dominated by strategic competitors.
They also highlighted the Eastern Mediterranean’s importance to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
According to the lawmakers, the Eastern Mediterranean will play a vital role as a gateway to the IMEC.
For Cyprus, the Great Sea Interconnector is considered particularly important because it aims to end the Republic of Cyprus’ energy isolation from the European electricity grid.
The project would also allow electricity to flow between the three countries, including electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
The US lawmakers said the interconnection could strengthen security of supply, create new opportunities for two-way electricity flows and enhance the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as an energy hub.
Lawmakers seek details on geopolitical obstacles
The six lawmakers went beyond a general expression of political support, requesting information from the US State Department and the US International Development Finance Corporation on the project and the geopolitical challenges it faces.
They called on the US administration to prioritise the project while also seeking information about the obstacles affecting its implementation.
Alongside Schneider and Bilirakis, the letter was signed by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Dan Goldman, Craig Goldman and Haley Stevens, giving the initiative a clear bipartisan character.
Project faces delays and cost concerns
The Great Sea Interconnector involves an undersea electricity connection between Greece and Cyprus, with a future extension to Israel.
The project has faced delays as well as questions over its cost and financial viability.
Reuters reported in May 2026 that the total cost of the Greece-Cyprus interconnection and its future extension to Israel was estimated at around €1.9 billion. A further increase in costs could create a need for additional financing.
Also read: Great Sea Interconnector eyes September restart
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