Greek Farmers face uncertainty as Bulgaria Water Deal Expires
For decades, Greek farmers in the Evros plain have relied on water flowing from Bulgaria’s mountains to irrigate their crops. Though, the expiration of a long-standing agreement between the two nations has left these farmers in a precarious position, with fears of dried-up fields and economic losses looming large.
The 1964 compensation agreement, which ensured the release of 186 million cubic meters of water annually from Bulgaria’s Arda River into Greece, expired in July. This water was critical for sustaining agriculture in northern Greece, particularly during the dry summer months.
The situation is further intricate by Bulgaria’s internal political instability. A series of temporary governments in Sofia has stalled discussions on renewing the deal.Petros Varelidis, a Greek official overseeing water resources, expressed the uncertainty: ”Nobody can say as far as we are from agreement.”
The stakes are high for Greek farmers.Dirtsround Deadcudis, head of a local farming society, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Water from Bulgaria is our onyl source.There is a tank in the area that flows and can’t hold water.” He also highlighted the lack of infrastructure improvements over the past six decades, stating, ”The problem has not been addressed for 60 years, without infrastructure projects and without maintenance.”
Climate change adds another layer of urgency. Southern Europe, including Greece and Bulgaria, has experienced increasingly hotter and drier conditions. Last summer was one of the warmest on record, exacerbating the region’s water scarcity issues.while the Bulgarian Ministry has established a working group to evaluate the situation, progress remains slow. Greek officials hope to initiate new negotiations next month, coinciding with the formation of a new government in Sofia. However,reaching an agreement by May 1,when the irrigation season typically begins,seems uncertain.
The uncertainty has already sparked protests. Farmers recently mobilized over 100 tractors to voice their concerns, citing not only water shortages but also rising energy costs and production challenges.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| agreement Expiry | The 1964 water deal expired in July 2024. |
| Water Volume | Bulgaria released 186 million cubic meters annually. |
| Irrigation Period | Water was delivered from May to September. |
| Current Status | Negotiations stalled due to political instability in Bulgaria. |
| Farmer Concerns | Lack of water threatens crops and livelihoods. |
As the clock ticks, Greek farmers are left in limbo, their futures hanging in the balance. The renewal of this water deal is not just a matter of policy but a lifeline for an entire agricultural community.
For more insights into the ongoing negotiations, visit Euractiv’s coverage.
The coming months will be critical. Will Greece and Bulgaria find common ground,or will the fields of northern Greece turn to dust? Only time will tell.
