Since 1964, water from Bulgaria’s Arda River has flowed into the Evros plain under a World War II reparations agreement. The deal ensured that 186 million cubic meters of water were released annually from Bulgarian hydroelectric dams between May and September, the critical growing season. However, the agreement expired in July 2024, and no new deal has been reached.
Greek officials blame the delay on political instability in Bulgaria, where successive interim governments have stalled negotiations. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s agriculture ministry has emphasized that it must first secure its own national water needs before committing to cross-border agreements.
Bulgaria’s energy ministry has formed a working group to assess the situation, but Greek farmers fear that a new agreement won’t be finalized before May, leaving their crops at risk of drought.
As negotiations remain uncertain, Greek farmers have blockaded roads in Kastanies, protesting what they see as government inaction. More than 100 tractors lined the streets, as farmers demanded a long-term solution rather than another last-minute deal.
"If there isn’t a long-term agreement, for us that means death," said 59-year-old farmer Nikos Poptsoglou, whose land depends on Bulgarian water. He added that even before the deal expired, production had dropped 30-40% due to drought conditions.
Local farmers' association leader Dimitris Drakoudis warned that without Bulgarian water, there is no alternative. The only local reservoir is leaking, and no new infrastructure has been built in 60 years.
The Greek government remains hopeful that negotiations with Bulgaria will begin next month, now that a new administration is in place in Sofia. However, officials admit that there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached in time.
The crisis signifies how climate change is intensifying water shortages across southern Europe. Greece recorded its hottest summer and winter on record in 2024, and rainfall has become increasingly unpredictable. Farmers fear that without action, water insecurity could permanently damage agricultural output in the Evros region.
With no functioning dams or reservoirs to store water locally, Greek farmers remain at the mercy of diplomatic negotiations—and time is running out.