Greece unveils €41 million water strategy to secure supply and reorganise providers

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy launched a National Water Strategy on 23 June, aiming to ensure water security, strengthen climate resilience and modernise water governance. The plan is built on three pillars: guaranteeing access to quality water for all citizens, preparing the country for droughts and floods, and digitising water management through data, transparency and stronger institutions.

The strategy includes more than €41 million for 33 projects across 25 municipalities, covering new boreholes, network extensions, desalination units and replacement of aging iron pipes, with the goal of cutting water losses that can reach up to 70 %. On 24 June, Minister Stávros Papastavrou opened the first round of contracts for the “Interventions for drinking‑water supply and water management” programme.

A draft law will also merge roughly 60 water‑service providers with the public utilities EYDAP and EYATH, creating a more streamlined, cost‑effective system and improving service quality. The initiative responds to intensified climate impacts that have heightened drought, heat‑wave and flood risks in Greece.