Greece approves water management reform amid opposition backlash
Greece’s Parliament has approved a government-backed bill expanding the powers of the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) and the Thessaloniki Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYATH), despite strong opposition from political parties, environmental groups and civil society organizations.
The legislation, which critics argue could weaken the status of water as a public and social good and accelerate its commercialization, was passed with the support of the governing majority.
Opposition parties accused the government of moving toward the privatization and market-based management of water resources, while environmental organizations had called for the bill to be withdrawn until the final stages of debate.
PASOK strongly criticized the government for what it described as a rushed legislative process, arguing that the bill was introduced while public consultation on the national water strategy was still ongoing. The party also submitted an objection on constitutional grounds, claiming that several provisions could undermine the administrative and financial autonomy of local governments.
SYRIZA and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) also opposed the legislation, with KKE accusing the government of aligning with European Union policies that promote the commercialization of water resources.
The government rejected the criticism, describing the bill as a major reform aimed at addressing fragmentation in water management. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the legislation represents a first step toward creating a more unified water management system, citing increasing risks from drought and water stress across the Mediterranean region.
The government argues that the reform is necessary to improve coordination and efficiency in water management, while opponents maintain that it risks transforming water from a public service into a commercial commodity.
