In response to the deepening water crisis in a number of European Union Member States, the Bulgarian representatives in the European Parliament from the Socialists and Democrats Group, Tsvetelina Penkova and Kristian Vigenin, raised the issue sharply, as well as the need for a common European policy for sustainable water resources management. The two MEPs submitted a joint parliamentary question to Environment Commissioner Jesica Rusval, urging urgent and long-term action.
In the spring and summer of 2025, over 150,000 people in Bulgaria are affected by water scarcity, with the situation worsening with each passing month. The southern regions of the country report completely dried up water sources, and over 60% of water is lost due to the outdated water supply network. This is also the highest percentage in the EU. However, the problem is not only national. Germany, Spain, France and Italy are also suffering from extremely high temperatures, drought, falling river levels and serious difficulties for industry, agriculture and domestic water supply.
“The situation is not isolated. Europe is in a real water crisis, and the reactions so far have been fragmented and uneven“, said Tsvetelina Penkova. According to her, countries such as Spain and Germany are already investing in modern solutions - from wastewater treatment to digital resource management. However, coordination at the EU level is lacking. Water security must become a strategic priority within the new Multiannual Financial Framework. “We propose the creation of a pan-European standard for minimum water reserves, mechanisms for solidarity between countries and targeted financing for the rehabilitation of the water supply infrastructure“, said Penkova. According to her, the crises of recent years - energy, climate and water - require new, integrated approaches and true European responsibility.
“We welcome the Strategy for the Sustainability of Water Resources adopted in June by the European Commission. It takes into account many of the problems, but the situation requires accelerated work and concrete actions in accordance with the priorities of each member state“, emphasized Vigenin and added that he hopes that water management in all its aspects will be more clearly highlighted as a priority in the future long-term European budget. “At the same time, I expect the Bulgarian government to prioritize the provision of resources - national and European - for the accelerated replacement of the water supply network and the construction of new sources of drinking water. A comprehensive program in this sector, supported by the EU, must ensure that within 5 years there will be no settlement in Bulgaria without year-round access to drinking water“, concluded the Bulgarian MEP.
The issue has already been submitted to the European Commission and demands clear commitments in four key areas: support for the construction and rehabilitation of sustainable water supply infrastructure; limiting drinking water losses through modernization and digitalization; introducing uniform standards for minimum water reserves and strategic planning and creating a crisis response mechanism for “dry periods“ on the territory of the EU.
To contact the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP: https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/
