Greece approves 16 water‑infrastructure projects to tackle drought in Thessaly, Central Greece and Eastern Macedonia

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou signed a decision to incorporate 16 water‑supply and management projects in nine mainland municipalities of Thessaly, Central Greece and Eastern Macedonia. The programme is funded with €16.6 million and is part of the Ministry’s “Interventions for Drinking Water Supply and Water Management” axis.

The works aim to cut water losses that in some areas reach 60‑70 %, replace ageing pipelines, build new distribution networks, lay an underwater conduit and install desalination and de‑mineralisation units. They are presented as essential steps in the newly drafted National Water Strategy, which the government has placed in public consultation and describes water as a strategic public good. The signing ceremony was attended by deputy ministers, several MPs and local mayors, underscoring cross‑party support for the effort.

The projects follow a prior decision to fund ten initiatives for nine island municipalities, reinforcing a broader push to secure reliable water supplies across Greece.