SOFIA — Former Environment Minister Assen Lichev has sharply criticized Greece for allegedly failing to honor a key bilateral agreement with Bulgaria dating back to 1995.
The agreement, which includes provisions on the use of the Mesta River’s waters and the opening of the Rudozem-Xanthi border checkpoint, remains only partially implemented, according to Lichev.
Speaking to the Bulgarian News Agency BGNES, Lichev — who is also a hydrogeologist — claimed that Greece’s long-standing failure to fulfill its commitments constitutes a violation of Bulgaria’s rights as a full member of the European Union, NATO, and the recently joined Schengen Area.
Under the 1995 agreement, Bulgaria agreed to share a portion of the Mesta River’s waters with Greece in exchange for the opening of the Rudozem-Xanthi border checkpoint, a crossing point intended to boost regional trade and mobility.
While Bulgaria has kept its end of the bargain, Lichev argued, the Greek side has failed to open the checkpoint, despite repeated assurances and EU-level integration efforts.
“This is not just a diplomatic failure — it’s a deliberate strategy,” said Lichev. He accused Athens of manipulating the narrative by shifting focus to the Arda River, which he believes is an attempt to exert pressure on Bulgaria to enter into new water-sharing agreements that would disproportionately benefit Greece.
Lichev expressed dismay over what he perceives as the EU’s silence on the issue. “Why is the European Commission passive when one member state humiliates another?” he asked. “Is it simply because the aggressor is Greece?”
He also took aim at European oversight bodies, such as the Special Monitoring Committee for the Interreg Program, which includes EU representatives. According to Lichev, these institutions have failed to act or investigate Greece’s apparent non-compliance with the 1995 terms.
The controversy resurfaced following a recent BGNES report that the Rudozem-Xanthi checkpoint remains unopened, despite Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Zone — a milestone that was expected to ease border restrictions and facilitate smoother movement between EU states.
In a broader critique, Lichev condemned successive Bulgarian governments for what he called “decades of neglect” in defending national interests.
He demanded transparency and accountability from current and past administrations regarding efforts to enforce the agreement and protect Bulgaria’s environmental and geopolitical rights.
The 1995 agreement has long been viewed as a symbol of cooperation between the two Balkan neighbors, especially in the post-Cold War era of European integration.
However, Lichev’s remarks have reignited concerns that bilateral diplomacy has faltered, leaving unresolved issues that affect both environmental resources and regional connectivity.
As the debate continues, calls are mounting for the Bulgarian government to bring the matter to the attention of European institutions and seek a resolution that ensures the agreement is fully implemented — and not left to gather dust for another three decade.