103 water supply projects for remote and small islands
The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, together with the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy, is advancing major water supply and desalination initiatives, focusing on the country’s most remote and small islands.
The programme includes 103 projects in 61 island municipalities and water utility companies, with funding of €9.07 million from the Public Investment Programme under the 2025 Special Action Plan for Drought.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the General Secretariat for Environment and Water, an additional €20 million has been approved for urgent projects in areas facing immediate needs.
A key measure is the fast-track licensing of small desalination plants. So far, 35 new units have been approved across more than 27 islands, significantly strengthening local water supply networks.
The General Secretariat also provides technical assistance to smaller municipalities, overseeing tenders to avoid delays. For specific islands and areas such as Megisti, Leipsoi, Kimolos, the Diapontia islands, Gavdos, Agios Efstratios, and the Panormitis Monastery on Symi, it acts as the contracting authority. It has also funded technical consultants in over 15 municipalities to help complete critical water projects.
Further cooperation is planned with the ministries of Environment and Energy, Interior, and National Economy and Finance to create standard technical specifications, establish uniform costing for desalination works, and support weaker beneficiaries.
As part of the National Water Plan, coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, the ministry contributes its expertise to ensure that the principle of “islandness” remains a core criterion in national water resource management policies.
Since 2019, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy and the General Secretariat for the Aegean have funded more than 400 projects on 78 islands, with a total budget exceeding €60 million, prioritising the smallest and most remote communities.
Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated:
“With speed, cooperation, and targeted interventions, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure water adequacy and quality on our islands. With the 103 actions taking place this year in 61 municipalities and the allocation of €9.07 million, we are improving water supply conditions, enhancing residents’ quality of life, and supporting islandness — a comparative advantage of our country.”
