Vital role of Alexandroupolis port uncontested

The debate over the supposed possible withdrawal of US military forces from Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece, has highlighted the critical role of the port in supporting NATO’s eastern flank.

Turkey, which is in favor of such a withdrawal, even attempted to take the debate to the White House, where US President Donald Trump dismissed speculation of any such plans.

The port is also vital for NATO, offering an alternative route to Eastern Europe, bypassing the Turkish-controlled Bosporus Strait, which can be closed during times of conflict.

Kathimerini can report that the Americans plan to invest in order to strengthen their footprint in the region. The discussion had already started in the fall, during the presidency of Joe Biden.

Over the last five years, Alexandroupoli has become an essential hub for both commercial and military operations, particularly since 2021. The 2019 modification of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) opened the port to US military use, granting priority access without exclusivity.

This strategic location has facilitated the transport of military vehicles, helicopters and personnel to NATO’s Eastern European allies, including Romania, Bulgaria and beyond. In addition, the port has become a key logistical link in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. In 2021, the MDCA was further expanded, with the inclusion of the Yanoulis military camp in the Evros region, to accommodate US forces in case of a larger mobilization. 

The port has proven essential for the transportation of military equipment, with US ships transporting large numbers of vehicles and personnel from 2020 to 2024. In 2023, for example, seven US ships delivered 296 soldiers, 4,800 vehicles and 19 helicopters.

Kathimerini