Greek farmers are growing increasingly anxious over the future of their crops as uncertainty looms over their access to water from Bulgaria.
A decades-old agreement that ensured a steady flow of water from the Arda River into Greece’s Evros region expired last July, leaving farmers in limbo as negotiations for a renewal remain stalled.
The agreement, signed between Sofia and Athens after World War II, had provided 186 million cubic meters of water annually from Bulgarian hydroelectric dams.
This supply irrigated 20,000 hectares of farmland in northern Greece, particularly during the crucial May-to-September growing season.
However, Bulgaria, facing its own water shortages, has yet to confirm whether it will continue supplying water to its southern neighbor.
Farmers’ Protests Amid Uncertainty
Frustrated by the lack of a resolution, Greek farmers staged a protest this week in the northern town of Kastanies, blocking roads and demanding swift action from the government.
More than 100 tractors were deployed as farmers voiced their concerns over declining yields and the absence of alternative irrigation sources.
“If there is no long-term agreement, it means death for us,” said Nikos Poptsoglou, a 59-year-old farmer whose livelihood depends on water from Bulgaria.
Dimitris Drakoudis, head of a local farmers’ association, echoed these concerns, stressing that years of inadequate investment in water infrastructure have left the region vulnerable.
Many farmers have reported yield losses of 30-40% in the past year due to drought, a situation that could worsen if the water deal is not renewed.
Political Delays and Bulgaria’s Priorities
The stalled negotiations have been attributed to Bulgaria’s political instability, with a series of caretaker governments complicating decision-making.
Although a temporary agreement between Greece and Bulgaria’s national electricity company has allowed water deliveries to continue until September, the details of this arrangement remain undisclosed.
Greek officials hope to resume negotiations next month when a new government is expected to take office in Sofia. However, with the May 1 deadline approaching, there is no certainty that a final deal will be reached in time.
Meanwhile, Bulgarian authorities have made it clear that domestic needs take precedence. The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized that water security for its own citizens must come first before any agreements with neighboring countries.
This stance has heightened concerns among Greek farmers, who rely on the Arda River as their sole irrigation source.
Climate Change and the Future of Water Security
The dispute comes amid rising concerns over climate change, which has made water resources more critical than ever.
Greece experienced record-breaking temperatures last year, with prolonged heatwaves threatening agricultural sustainability.
Farmers argue that without a long-term solution, their ability to sustain their livelihoods will be severely compromised.
While Greek officials remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached, the uncertainty has left farmers bracing for the worst.
The coming months will determine whether Bulgaria and Greece can find common ground—or whether Greek farmers will face another devastating season without a secure water supply.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members