The Greek government is proposing a new legal framework to accelerate projects aimed at tackling water scarcity, including faster approval procedures for desalination plants and streamlined procurement rules for emergency infrastructure.
The draft legislation, published for public consultation until July 20, seeks to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to prolonged drought conditions by speeding up the delivery of critical water supply projects.
Faster approvals for desalination plants
The proposed measures focus on expanding available water resources, with desalination identified as a key solution, particularly for island and coastal communities.
Under the new framework, environmental licensing for desalination plants would be simplified while maintaining environmental oversight. Developers would be required to submit a technical report detailing how concentrated seawater byproducts (brine) will be managed, assessing the suitability of the receiving marine environment and demonstrating compliance with environmental quality standards after discharge and dilution.
Projects would also have to be consistent with existing river basin management plans.
Regional water authorities would be required to issue their opinion within 15 days of receiving the technical documentation. If the deadline is missed, the case would automatically be referred to the regional environmental licensing council to avoid delays.
Emergency mechanism for drought response
The bill also introduces a fast-track mechanism for water infrastructure projects in areas officially declared to be under a water scarcity emergency.
In such cases, the Ministry of Environment and Energy would be able to oversee the planning, procurement and execution of projects designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of drought, including the construction or restoration of critical water supply infrastructure.
The ministry could also assume responsibility for projects that would normally fall under other public authorities if they are deemed essential to addressing the emergency.
New procurement rules
Emergency projects would follow a simplified tender process.
Instead of the standard public procurement procedures, contracting authorities would prepare a technical description, implementation timetable, budget and project specifications before inviting at least three experienced construction companies to submit bids within 10 working days.
Contracts would be awarded solely on the basis of the lowest price, with bids covering the entire project under a fixed-price agreement that includes studies, surveys, environmental requirements and any unforeseen costs.
Water transfer project for Athens
The legislation also creates the legal basis for transferring drinking water from two tributaries of the Acheloos River to the Athens metropolitan water supply system, a project previously announced by the government to bolster water security as reservoir levels decline following prolonged periods of low rainfall.
The project would remain subject to environmental assessment and must comply with European Union environmental legislation. Where necessary, a strategic environmental assessment would also be carried out.
Through the proposed reforms, the government aims to establish a rapid-response system for addressing water shortages, enabling faster implementation of projects such as desalination plants, water transfers and upgrades to essential water infrastructure.
