US abandons Greek interests again, withdrawing from EastMed to pacify Turkey

 

 The United States has informed Greece, Cyprus and Israel that it no longer supports the EastMed gas pipeline project for both environmental and financial reasons, in addition to apologizing that the project is causing tensions in the region. The EastMed agreement was signed by Greece, Cyprus and Israel in January 2020 in Athens and was to transport hydrocarbons from Israeli and Cypriot fields to mainland Greece via Cyprus and Crete and in the long run probably even to Italy. Greek City Times in a material presented without editorial intervention.

 Turkey immediately opposed the proposed 1,900km pipeline. Ankara is illegally exploring natural gas in Cypriot waters, and such a pipeline would put an end to its provocations. which received international condemnation and no support.

 Nevertheless, the biggest question that arises is why Washington changed its position on the EastMed gas pipeline when, under President Joe Biden, the United States allegedly distanced its relations with Turkey in favor of Greece in an unprecedented way. According to various Greek media, the change in Washington's position is hoped to avoid clashes with Erdogan, or at least to clash until the end of the Turkish elections in June 2023. According to Greek media, the State Department and the National Security Council are guided by the idea that Turkey, regardless of Erdogan, should not be lost by the West.

 In 2019, the US Congress approved a bill on cooperation with the Eastern Mediterranean countries in the energy sector. At the time, they believed that this cooperation would counterbalance Russia's energy dominance in the European market. The new bill aimed to make the United States a key player in the eastern Mediterranean gas market, strengthen military ties with Greece and lift the 40-year arms embargo on Cyprus. The bill was believed to confirm Washington's intention to curb Turkey's expansionist and aggressive ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean.

 However, Washington is now withdrawing and Greek authorities have not yet reacted publicly.