US-Greek relations — December brief by the Transatlantic Periscope

The Transatlantic Periscope is an interactive, multimedia tool that brings together expert commentary, high-quality media coverage, official policy documents, quantitative data, social media posts, and gray literature. It will provide on a monthly basis a summary of the most important news concerning the Greek-US relations, as reflected in the media. Below you will find an overview for December 2024.

On 4 December, 2024, a fifteen-member delegation from the Office of Global Partnerships of the US Department of State met with representatives of Greek business groups at the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace. Discussions focused on the formation of intergovernmental business and academic collaborations in the field of the green transition and renewable energy sources. Representatives of Greek business groups outlined their plans in the RES sector, including investment plans.

With regard to the upcoming transition in the United States, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Michael Kratsios, a Greek-American with roots from the island of Chios and the northern city of Kastoria, as Assistant to the President for Science & Technology and as the new Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Kratsios’ nomination as OSTP Director will need to be confirmed by the Senate. Furthermore, Greek-American Michael J. Rigas has been nominated by President Trump as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.

On December 10, 2024, Trump tapped Kimberly Guilfoyle, former Fox News host and former prosecutor in San Francisco and Los Angeles, to become US ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle’s nomination requires Senate confirmation. In an exclusive statement to ERTNews, Guilfoyle said she is excited to collaborate with the Greek government and would work to ensure that the strong relations between the two countries continue to deepen, under the leadership of President Trump.

On defence matters, according to Reuters, Athens has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that includes, among others, acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the US. One of the officials noted that on December 13, 2024,the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), the country’s top decision-making body on foreign affairs and defence matters, approved the procurement of US-made Switchblade drones, made by AeroVironment.

More at: https://transatlanticperiscope.org/relationship/GR#