Water Negotiations: Bulgaria and Greece Seek Resolution

Bulgaria and Greece are negotiating an interim agreement to resolve a dispute over a lapsed water deal crucial for Greek agriculture. The original agreement, stemming from World War Two reparations in 1964, facilitated water flow from Bulgaria to Greece. The lapse has led to protests by Greek farmers.

In response to escalating farmer protests in Greece, the Bulgarian government is seeking an interim resolution over a critical water deal with Greece. The bilateral agreement, linked to reparations from World War Two, allows water from Bulgaria's mountains to flow to agricultural lands in Greece's Evros region.

The expiration of this deal in July triggered a crisis among Greek farmers who rely on the water for their crops. As a temporary measure, Greece and Bulgaria's electricity company NEK signed an interim agreement to maintain water supplies until September 2024, but long-term solutions are still under discussion.

In Bulgaria's parliament, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced efforts to secure a short-term agreement, despite opposition concerns about giving away resources. Deputy Energy Minister Georgi Samandov emphasized that the released water also generates electricity for Bulgaria, underscoring the complexities of the situation.