# Greece water management and diplomacy initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greece-water-management-and-diplomacy-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-08T06:38:11.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4.

Greece is implementing comprehensive measures to address water scarcity and management through both domestic funding and regional diplomacy.

On the domestic front, the government has allocated 140 million euros under the ESPA 2021-2027 ‘Environment and Climate Change’ framework for holistic water and urban wastewater management. This funding targets specific water supply authorities and local government bodies, including EYDAP S.A. and the municipalities of Kassandra, Rethymno, Corinth, and Alexandroupoli. These pilot projects focus on creating economically sustainable systems through infrastructure upgrades, such as drinking water supply, network improvements, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, and energy efficiency.

Further regional efforts are being directed toward the Central Macedonia Region, where more than 6 million euros in ESPA funds have been allocated to the Imathia region. Specifically, the municipalities of Veria and Naoussa will receive 2.85 million euros and 3.35 million euros, respectively. According to Regional Governor Athina Aidona, these resources aim to address water adequacy and quality issues, protect resources from network leaks, and safeguard public health by ensuring uninterrupted access to safe drinking water.

Concurrently, Greece has introduced a National Water Strategy to manage transboundary resources. Recognizing that approximately 25% of its surface waters are linked to international flows, the strategy aims to advance ‘water diplomacy’ within the Balkans. By focusing on major river basins and the Prespa Lakes system, the strategy seeks to foster cooperation with Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and Turkey through data exchange and joint management plans.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Central Macedonia Region funds water projects in Veria and Naoussa

The Central Macedonia Region is investing over 6 million euros in ESPA funds to upgrade drinking water networks and ensure water quality in the Veria and Naoussa municipalities of Imathia, Greece.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-macedonia-region-funds-water-projects-in-veria-and-naoussa

### 2026-09-05: Greece allocates €140 million for water and wastewater projects

Greece is allocating €140 million via the ESPA 2021-2027 program for pilot water management and wastewater treatment projects in four key regions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-allocates-140-million-for-water-and-wastewater-projects

### 2026-09-02: Greece launches National Water Strategy to advance Balkan water diplomacy

Greece's new National Water Strategy elevates water management to a foreign policy priority, emphasizing ‘water diplomacy’ and cooperation with Balkan neighbors to combat regional scarcity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-launches-national-water-strategy-to-advance-balkan-water-diplomacy

### 2026-09-02: Greece allocates 140 million euros for water management via ESPA

Greece allocates 140 million euros from ESPA for water management projects, while contractors seek clarity on price revision rules for public works to avoid project delays.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-allocates-140-million-euros-for-water-management-via-espa

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Cite as: Greece water management and diplomacy initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greece-water-management-and-diplomacy-initiatives