Greece’s Parliament has approved a government-backed bill concerning the country’s two major water utilities, EYDAP and EYATH, amid strong opposition criticism that the legislation could lead to the privatization of water services.
The bill, introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, passed with support from ruling New Democracy lawmakers. Opposition parties rejected the measure, arguing that it could undermine the public and social character of water management.
The legislation was approved in principle by 157 lawmakers, while 131 voted against it out of a total of 288 participating members of Parliament. In certain articles that were subject to separate votes, the result was similar, with some provisions receiving 157 votes in favor, 123 against and eight abstentions.
Government Says Reform Needed to Prevent Water Losses
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou defended the reform, saying Greece’s current water management system has reached its limits and requires a broader restructuring.
“We cannot continue losing five or six drops of water out of every 10,” Papastavrou said in Parliament, arguing that waste, outdated networks and major losses must be addressed.
The minister said Greece faces significant challenges from water scarcity, claiming the country ranks 19th worldwide in terms of drought risk and second among European Union countries regarding water stress risk.
Opposition Warns of “Back Door” Privatization
Opposition parties accused the government of attempting to commercialize water resources and weaken public control over a vital social good.
Manolis Christodoulakis of PASOK – Movement for Change questioned whether the government would support constitutional protection of water as a public good and asked whether it could guarantee that water bills would not increase.
Other opposition parties also described the legislation as a potential “back door to privatization,” warning about the future cost and management of water services.
Government Rejects Privatization Claims
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis rejected the opposition’s accusations, calling claims of privatization “an unfounded and false argument.”
He said the reform would instead strengthen the public character of water management by expanding the role of EYDAP and EYATH, which he described as publicly controlled utility companies.
Marinakis said that some areas currently served by private water networks and paying higher prices would instead be served by public water providers.
He also highlighted problems in the existing system, saying that 50% to 60% of water is currently lost through leaks and inefficiencies, while 735 different bodies are involved in water management.
“There are settlements that do not have water,” he said, adding that investigations had been launched in areas including Sithonia and Volvi over water-related issues.
Government Promises No Water Price Increases
Marinakis said the government would not introduce further increases in water prices, insisting that Greece would continue to have the cheapest water in Europe.
He argued that the reform was necessary to address long-standing problems, including fragmented management, water losses and shortages, while maintaining public control over water services.
