Greek farmers await renewal of water-sharing deal with Bulgaria

For decades, farmers in northern Greece, near the Bulgarian border, have depended on a crucial water-sharing agreement with their neighbors to the north. The deal, established as part of post-World War II reparations, allowed Greek farmland to be irrigated by the Ardas River, controlled upstream by Bulgaria's Ivaylovgrad Dam.

But since the agreement quietly expired in July last year, uncertainty has taken root deeper than any crop. Despite ongoing negotiations, farmers say the clock is ticking—and their fields are already feeling the pressure.

Standing by the Therapio Dam, the calm flow of the Ardas River masks the growing anxiety in the surrounding farming communities. For over 60 years, this water source has sustained more than 200 square kilometers of farmland. With no formal agreement in place, Greek officials fear Bulgaria could tighten the flow—something many say has already begun.

"Without water, we're looking at income losses of over 70 percent," warns Dimitris Drakoudis, a local farmer and head of the Trigono Farmers' Union told CGTN. "The consequences for the local economy are devastating. People are deeply worried."

Growing uncertainty

Drakoudis grows corn, cotton, and sunflowers—crops that demand reliable irrigation. After last year's severe drought, any uncertainty over water access is unbearable. A temporary workaround was arranged last season, but local leaders insist patchwork solutions can no longer suffice.

"This agreement is particularly important for our region," Adamantios Papadopoulos, mayor of Orestiada, told CGTN. "It must be resolved in the best possible way—for both countries."

He's been pushing Greek ministries to secure a long-term deal, emphasizing that a clear agreement on water flow rates is what's urgently needed.

However, across the border, Bulgaria points to a changing climate and diminishing water reserves. 

"Greece is putting pressure on the government—and I might do the same in their place. But as a proud Bulgarian, I stand for our national interests. Bulgarians deserve transparency and a say in this deal," Bulgarian politician Angel Slavchev of the nationalist Vazrazhdane party told CGTN. 

Meanwhile, Greek farmers are running out of patience. 

"We shouldn't be out protesting every year," says Dimitris. "We need a long-term agreement. This uncertainty has to end."

For now, the fields await. But without swift action, those fields may soon dry out—and with them, the livelihoods of thousands.