Greece and Bulgaria remain silent on Arda River water management dispute
Greece and Bulgaria remain in a state of “radio silence” over the management of the Arda River waters, as neither country has submitted a formal request or complaint to the European Commission concerning the resolution of potential disputes related to cross-border water management.
This was confirmed by the European Commission in response to a parliamentary question submitted by SYRIZA Member of the European Parliament Kostas Arvanitis.
A Third Year of Uncertainty for Farmers
For nearly six decades, water flows from the Ivaylovgrad Dam in Bulgaria to Greece were regulated smoothly under a bilateral agreement. That agreement expired on 9 July 2024, ending Bulgaria’s obligation to release 186 million cubic meters of water per irrigation season to Greece.
These water volumes ensured the irrigation of approximately 230,000 hectares of farmland in northern Evros, while also reinforcing the water resources of the Evros River, which supports agricultural activity in central and southern parts of the region.
Although Evros farmers had long warned about the looming expiration of the agreement, temporary arrangements were reached to safeguard the 2024 and 2025 cultivation seasons, at a significant financial cost to the Greek side.
High-Level Talks Amid Political Instability
During a recent meeting between Evros farmers’ representatives and Greek Minister of Rural Development Kostas Tsiaras, it was revealed that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis intends to personally oversee negotiations with Bulgaria.
However, the challenge remains substantial. Time is running out ahead of the upcoming irrigation season, while Bulgaria’s political instability and reported reluctance—combined with additional demands—complicate efforts to secure a new long-term, multi-year agreement.
European Commission: No Notification Filed
In an official response on behalf of the European Commission, Commissioner Jessika Roswall stated:
“The Commission promotes cooperation on cross-border water management in line with Article 13 of the Water Framework Directive, which requires Member States to coordinate the preparation of international river basin management plans.
Furthermore, Article 12 allows a Member State to notify the Commission when an issue affecting its water management cannot be resolved nationally. Neither Bulgaria nor Greece has submitted such a notification to the Commission under Article 12.”
She also confirmed that the bilateral Greece–Bulgaria agreement on the Arda River was renewed on 2 May 2025 for a five-year period, adding that the Commission is still assessing the third river basin management plans of both countries and will evaluate cross-border cooperation within that framework.
