Greek Chalkidiki Mayors Oppose Water Service Transfer Bill

Mayors of the five municipalities in the regional unit of Chalkidiki issued a joint proclamation rejecting the draft law proposed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy that would transfer municipal water, sewage and irrigation services to the state‑run utility E.Y.A.T.H. They stated, “We express our categorical opposition to the provisions of the bill that mandate the transfer of our water services to E.Y.A.T.H.”

The mayors argue that the legislation undermines local autonomy, concentrates control in a central body, and was drafted without adequate consultation or a detailed operational plan. They warn it could lead to higher water and irrigation prices, insufficient maintenance of the extensive local network of more than 600 wells and pumping stations, and loss of municipal control over resource allocation. They called for the bill’s withdrawal and for reforms to be designed collaboratively with local authorities.