The now-lapsed deal, originally rooted in World War II reparations, allowed Bulgaria to release 186 million cubic meters of water annually from its hydroelectric dams into Greek farmlands between May and September. However, political instability in Bulgaria, coupled with successive interim governments, has stalled negotiations for its renewal, according to officials at Greece’s energy and environment ministry.

A view shows the Kamares dam, in Greece, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandros Avramidis
Bulgaria’s agriculture ministry emphasized its priority to first secure water resources for its own national needs before considering those of neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s energy ministry has set up a working group to assess the situation, but no immediate resolution is in sight.
The uncertainty surrounding water access underscores broader concerns over climate change and resource scarcity in southern Europe. Greece recorded its hottest winter and summer on record last year, exacerbating drought conditions and making water availability even more critical for agricultural production.

A farmers’ protest in the central Greece city of Larissa, in February (EUROKINISSI)
For farmers in the Evros region, where no significant reservoirs or water infrastructure exist, the prospect of a summer without a Greece-Bulgaria water deal and water coming in from Bulgaria is alarming. Many have already seen significant drops in crop yields due to drought, with some reporting losses of 30-40% last year, according to Reuters.
At the Kastanies blockade, frustration over the water impasse is compounded by broader grievances, including high energy and production costs. “If there isn’t a long-term agreement, for us that means death,” one farmer told Reuters, reflecting the deep anxiety among local agricultural communities.
Greek officials hope to restart negotiations next month, following the formation of a new government in Sofia. However, with the May 1 deadline looming, there is no clear indication of how soon an agreement can be reached. Petros Varelidis, Greece’s secretary general for water resources, acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “No one can say how near or how far we are from an agreement.”
The crisis also highlights long-standing issues with water infrastructure in the region. A local reservoir, which could have served as an alternative water source, is leaking and unable to retain water effectively. Farmers argue that decades of neglect in infrastructure development have left them overly reliant on the Bulgarian supply, making the current impasse even more precarious.
As negotiations remain uncertain, Greek farmers continue their protest to highlight this importance of this and other sectoral issues, demanding swift government action to secure their livelihoods.