Alexandroupolis as new Souda: US, Greece near deal on bases – what the US wants, what Athens seeks

By Angelos Athanasopoulos

The transformation of Alexandroupolis into a "new Souda" is perhaps the most basic change that can be expected after the completion of negotiations that are in full for the new amendment of the bilateral Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).

The geographic position of Alexandroupolis (and of Thrace more broadly), as well as the emerging axis toward Varna, Bulgaria, has become extremely valuable for US (and NATO) strategic planning as an alternative route to the Straits of the Bosphorus, given the importance of the Black Sea.

Naturally, Washington's planning now stresses flexibility and mobility which suggests a shift away from large bases as Ramstein, Germany once was. Now the key is facilities that allow the stationing and movement of forces.

Autumn signing in Washington expected

According to sources, the extension of the duration of the MDCA for five years appears to be a done deal (there had been thoughts of a three-year extension). The amended agreement is expected to be signed by autumn.

However, according to To Vima's sources the prospect of US Secretary of State Tony Blinken visiting Athens - as his predecessor Mike Pompei had done - to sign the agreement with Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias seems difficult, certain press reports notwithstanding.

Instead, the most likely scenario is that (if the pandemic permits) the signing will occur during Dendias' scheduled visit to Washington around October and will coincide with the next round of the US-Greece strategic dialogue.

Menendez to visit Athens

More certain in terms of timing is the scheduled visit to Athens, in late August, of the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee...