Greek government signs €142 million drought‑relief projects for 63 municipalities

The Ministry of Environment and Energy (ΥΠΕΝ) has signed contracts for 103 water‑related projects in 63 Greek municipalities, with a total budget of about €142 million. The programme covers new drinking‑water networks, irrigation systems, desalination units and modernisation of existing infrastructure across both mainland and island regions, including Central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese. Notable works include a new external water network in the Pylaias‑Chortiati municipality (≈€13 m, adding 20 000 m³ per day and ending bore‑hole use), replacement of the external network in Messini (≈€5.6 m), and a subsea pipeline to Neo Palio Trikeri (≈€2 m). Leros will receive two desalination units capable of 2 000 m³ daily. The plan aims to improve water supply, reduce losses and manage resources more efficiently. An additional funding call of up to €65 million has been announced, with further allocations of €50‑115 million expected, to support municipalities still facing water scarcity. The reforms also consolidate 70 water service providers into two entities (EYDAP and EYATH) as part of the first National Water Strategy and the largest institutional overhaul of the sector to date. About one‑fifth of municipalities have already benefited, with more projects slated for rollout.