AHI Advocates for Robust U.S. Foreign Aid to Greece, Cyprus, and 3+1 Structure; Opposes Aid to Türkiye
No. 45
WASHINGTON - American Hellenic Institute President Nick Larigakis submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on Fiscal Year 2026 foreign assistance on June 13, 2025
President Larigakis submitted testimony that aligned with the best interests of the United States and the Administration’s goal of eliminating wasteful spending. His testimony opposed proposed military assistance for Türkiye until the following conditions were met:
Türkiye withdraws all its troops and illegal Turkish settlers from the Republic of Cyprus.
Türkiye demonstrates tangible steps to resolve its outstanding issues with Greece in the spirit of the December 7, 2023, “Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.”
Türkiye ends its political, financial, and logistical support for Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.
Based on Greece’s demonstrated geostrategic importance to the United States, AHI recommended:
A $1.8 million appropriation increase to the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program for the purpose of being provided to Greece.
Robust Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece, including $25 million for the European Recapitalization Incentive Program (ERIP), as authorized by the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021.
Additionally, AHI’s testimony recommended:
A $500,000 appropriation increase to the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program for the purpose of being provided to the Republic of Cyprus.
Sustained assistance levels for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
Foreign assistance that supports initiatives launched by the historic first Strategic Dialogue between the U.S. and the Republic of Cyprus held last year.
Finally, AHI strongly opposed any proposed cuts to foreign assistance programs that strengthen U.S. relations with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus.
The Subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) is the Subcommittee’s ranking member.
“We thank Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Frankel, and members of the Subcommittee, for the taking our testimony into consideration as they formulate their FY26 funding,” Larigakis said. “It is vital to ensure U.S. interests in the Eastern Mediterranean region are entered into the public record and taken into account when appropriators work on the spending bills.”
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is a non-profit policy center and think tank founded in 1974 that promotes the interests of the United States in foreign affairs involving Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southern Europe.
For media inquires, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org.
For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at americanhellenicinstitute.org
