Evros farmers cautiously optimistic over Ardas River agreement
NORTHERN EVROS FARMERS REACT TO ARDAS WATER DEAL
Farmers' unions in Northern Evros (Vyssa, Trigono, Orestiada) have expressed cautious optimism following the recent Joint Declaration signed between Greece and Bulgaria regarding the water use of the Ardas River.
In a statement, they welcomed the agreement as a positive step, while stressing that they await the publication of specific terms. These, they argue, must guarantee uninterrupted irrigation and the viability of agricultural production in the region.
CALLS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND AUTONOMY
The unions emphasized that "the struggle does not end here" and called for immediate modernization of existing irrigation infrastructure as well as the creation of new systems. These measures, they insist, are essential to ensure local autonomy in water resource management and reduce dependence on foreign decisions or central administrative failures.
PENDING COMPENSATIONS FOR CLIMATE DAMAGE
They also reminded authorities of the still-pending results of Measure 23, which concerns compensation for agricultural losses caused by climate change in 2024.
OFFICIAL AGREEMENT DETAILS
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that after negotiations with its Bulgarian counterpart, and coordination with the relevant Ministries of Environment, Energy, and Agriculture, Foreign Ministers Giorgos Gerapetritis and Georg Georgiev signed a Joint Declaration on May 2.
According to the Ministry’s statement, the agreement guarantees a sufficient water supply from Bulgaria for a five-year period, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation of irrigation systems and farming activity in the sensitive border region of Evros.
The declaration marks a significant follow-up to the long-standing Greece-Bulgaria bilateral water agreement, which recently expired after 60 years.
The Joint Declaration is a formal diplomatic document expressing both parties' shared position and intent for coordinated cooperation in specific areas.
