Greece approves sweeping water management law expanding EYDAP and EYATH powers

The Greek Parliament voted 157‑131 to pass a comprehensive law that broadens the responsibilities of the national water utilities EYDAP and EYATH. Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou presented the bill as a necessary reform to address the country’s high risk of water stress, noting that Greece ranks 19th worldwide for drought risk. The legislation introduces new provisions for the valuation of municipal water assets, safeguards against water supply interruptions, and strengthens the regulatory authority over water services. It also guarantees equal pay for new employees, defines service zones within 40 km of each municipality, and creates a dedicated department for water provision in major urban centers. While the governing New Democracy party supported the measure, opposition parties (PASOK, SYRIZA, KKE) criticised it as a fast‑track, centralising reform that threatens local autonomy and could lead to the commoditisation of water resources. The law also expands the role of the Water Management Authority and includes mechanisms to handle outstanding consumer debts during a transition period. The government framed the reform as a strategic, national‑level policy to secure water as a public resource essential for citizens, agriculture, tourism and economic growth.