Greece and Bulgaria have finalized a landmark agreement on using the Ardas River’s waters

The Joint Declaration, signed on May 2, 2025, by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Greece and Bulgaria have finalized a landmark agreement on using the Ardas River’s waters, securing a stable supply for Greece’s border region of Evros.

The Joint Declaration, signed on May 2, 2025, by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Negotiated by the Foreign Ministries in collaboration with their respective Ministries of Environment and Energy and Rural Development and Food, the agreement replaces a 60-year-old intergovernmental pact. According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, it guarantees Bulgaria’s provision of sufficient water for five years, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of irrigation systems and sustained agricultural production in Evros, a key farming area in northeastern Greece.

The deal reflects both nations’ commitment to sustainable resource management and regional stability. By addressing water allocation, the agreement supports farmers in Evros while fostering stronger ties between Athens and Sofia. The five-year framework provides a clear timeline for ongoing cooperation, with potential for future extensions.

This accord underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in managing shared natural resources, particularly in the face of climate challenges. As Greece and Bulgaria move forward, the agreement sets a precedent for equitable and practical solutions to regional water needs.

Source: pagenews.gr