A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Ben Black to prioritise the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), an undersea electricity project they describe as central to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The appeal, made through a formal letter, signals growing Congressional urgency around securing the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic infrastructure hub.

What the Great Sea Interconnector Is

The GSI is a proposed undersea cable project designed to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Its backers say it would connect Cyprus to the European electricity transmission system, strengthen Israel's energy security, and enable clean, reliable power flows between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Proponents frame it as a strategic alternative to infrastructure dominated by US rivals.

Who Is Leading the Push

Congressmen Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis led the initiative, with the letter also signed by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Dan Goldman, Craig Goldman, and Haley Stevens. In their letter, the lawmakers wrote: 'The Eastern Mediterranean will play a vitally important role as a gateway to IMEC, and the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is a key strategic infrastructure project central to the development of the corridor.'

They further argued that completing the GSI would 'advance US security and economic interests while strengthening key American partnerships across the region,' and urged both the Department of State and the DFC to make it a priority. The group also requested a classified briefing on geopolitical challenges facing the project's completion.

Legislative Backing: The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act

Schneider and Bilirakis introduced the bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act in May 2025, legislation that seeks to anchor the region more firmly in US foreign policy. The bill calls for greater support for cross-border infrastructure and energy interconnectors, and stronger strategic coordination with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, and other regional partners. According to material released by Schneider's office, the bill cleared the House Foreign Affairs Committee in January and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in June. The lawmakers said the GSI would directly advance the objectives of that legislation.

IMEC: Background and Strategic Stakes

IMEC was announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023. India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union signed a memorandum outlining plans for rail, shipping, energy, and digital links. The corridor comprises an eastern route connecting India with the Gulf and a northern route linking the Gulf with Europe. Supporters argue it would shorten trade routes, deepen regional connectivity, and foster closer economic integration across three regions.

This comes amid broader US efforts to counter rival infrastructure initiatives in the region. The lawmakers described the Eastern Mediterranean as 'an emerging energy and infrastructure hub linking Europe, the Middle East and India,' and framed the GSI as a transparent, US-aligned alternative to infrastructure controlled by strategic competitors. The corridor's momentum will depend heavily on whether Washington translates this Congressional pressure into concrete DFC financing commitments.